From July 2010 the Mater Hospital became a Smoke Free hospital. Following concerns raised by local residents I asked the Dublin City Council Area Manager to advise what measures are in place between the Mater Hospital and Dublin City Council to ensure that the hospitals “no smoking” policy does not negatively impact on the surrounding area. The area manager advised me that Dublin City Council had received a request from the Facilities Manager for extra bins at the hospital entrance on the North Circular Road. The hospital cleaning staff make scheduled sweeps of the area daily. The placing of containers on the footpath was looked into but was rejected under health and safety as trip hazards. Dublin City Council and the Mater are working to make the no smoking policy work for hospital patients, visitors and staff. Click on www.maryfitzpatrick.ie for all the latest news in Dublin Central