Worrying rises in underage drinking, vaping and late-night socialising among young people in Galway were laid bare at the November Plenary Meeting of Galway County Council, where councillors received a detailed briefing on the 2025 Planet Youth report.
The findings, presented by Emmett Major of the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, draw on survey responses from 2,191 15- and 16-year-olds across 35 post-primary schools and four Youthreach centres.
Alcohol emerged as the most troubling trend. One in three teenagers (32 per cent ) reported being drunk in the previous month, a four-point rise since the last survey. Many teens continue to drink in private settings, with 30 per cent consuming alcohol in a friend’s home. The report noted that 9 per cent received alcohol from their own parents and 8 per cent from a friend’s parent. Particularly concerning is the continued fall in parental disapproval of drunkenness, now at just 54 per cent. According to Major, teenagers who sense parental tolerance of drunkenness are four times more likely to get drunk.
The rise in nicotine use was another key finding. Daily vaping among teenagers has increased to 15 per cent, while more than half (54 per cent ) have vaped within the last month. Nicotine pouch use, a newer trend among young people, was reported by 12 per cent of respondents. Cannabis experimentation remains steady but significant, with 12 per cent having tried it and 4 per cent using it within the past month. Notably, 42 per cent of young people believe cannabis would be easy to obtain.
Behavioural risks associated with substance use also appear to be intensifying. Thirty-six per cent of respondents said they had been out after midnight within the previous week, while 32 per cent regularly socialise with friends on the streets, factors long associated with increased exposure to harmful behaviours.
Despite the concerning statistics, the report also highlights strong protective factors: 92 per cent of respondents said they easily receive warmth and care from parents, and 81 per cent reported good mental health, slightly above regional norms.
Reactions from councillors
Councillors reacted strongly to the report, many drawing on personal experiences as parents. Cllr Michael “Mogie” Maher (Fine Gael ) described drug misuse as “absolutely chronic” across the county and stressed the need for more presentations aimed specifically at parents. “Parents need to understand what is happening at home,” he said.
Cllr Ivan Canning (Fianna Fáil ), who noted his dual perspective as both a publican and a parent of five, raised concerns about cheap off-licence alcohol. Recalling scenes from Galway’s College Christmas Day celebrations, he said, “If you can get a bottle of vodka for €16 or €17, there is no one stopping you.”
Several councillors highlighted the lack of amenities for teenagers. Cllr Siobhán McHugh-Ryan (Fine Gael ) said that in places like Tuam, young people not involved in sport have few alternatives. Cllr Eileen Mannion (Fine Gael ) echoed those concerns, suggesting that Ireland needs tighter controls on vape sales and better addiction services for teenagers.
Predrinks a “way to get cheap alcohol”
As the youngest elected member, Cllr Cillian Keane put forth his perspective, saying, “As someone who did the Leaving Cert in 2019, I am not overly shocked by what we have seen today. One thing I would like to stress is the education aspect, and I have seen the effects of the things we are discussing on my own friends.
“It is crucial for young people to be informed about the stark reality of what alcohol and drugs can do. No disrespect to the parents out there, I dealt with my own parents saying these things, but when your parents say it, you almost disregard them, but when someone comes into your college or school and says these things to you in a way you understand, you don’t disregard it.”
Cllr Keane went on to say that, in his experience, anti-social drinking primarily comes down to the lack of a safe space to imbibe in, while also balancing social drinking on a budget.
“As was rightly pointed out, there is a huge issue with alcohol at home being cheaper. The way young people look at it, “predrinks” are a way to get cheap alcohol. I know publicans aren’t responsible for prices, but it is €5.80 or so for a pint and north of €10 for a short.
“With a bottle of vodka at home, you don’t see the effect of it until it is too late.”
Cllr Keane advocated for a strengthened educational response to the issue, saying, “Young people are smart enough to make up their own minds if they are given the information.”
Community spaces
Other members, including Cllr Shaun Cunniffe (Independent Ireland ) and Cllr Martin McNamara (Sinn Féin ), emphasised the need for greater investment in community facilities, Garda presence and youth clubs, noting that many towns lack even basic recreational spaces.
Major acknowledged that resources for prevention remain limited. Most funding in the national health budget goes toward acute hospital care, he said, leaving mental health, addiction supports and prevention with “less and less.” While schools receive summary versions of the data, he said many are overwhelmed by competing demands and unable to fully engage with prevention programmes. Still, the Taskforce delivers targeted interventions, especially around Junior Cycle results, when many young people begin drinking regularly.
Chief Executive Liam Conneally told the meeting that the council will use the report to inform decisions on land use, recreational planning and government funding submissions. He noted ongoing work to deliver new pump tracks and youth-friendly spaces across the county.
Councillors across parties agreed that prevention must become a priority. “Every euro invested in a child shows in the future,” said Cllr Michael Connolly (Fianna Fáil ), calling for targeted support in areas facing higher social deprivation.
