The Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin has launched a smoke-free campus initiative, which aims to completely eradicate smoking.

As part of the initiative, smoking and vaping are now banned in all public areas of the 500-acre campus, aside from a limited number of designated smoking shelters.

As a result, smoking is not permitted outside any of the buildings on the campus, including the National Aquatic Centre and the National Indoor Arena.

Sporting organisations located on the Sport Ireland Campus include the FAI, the IRFU, Special Olympics Ireland, Swim Ireland and Gymnastics Ireland.

Last year, employees of these various bodies were surveyed about their attitudes to smoking. The survey found that 86% felt that having a smoke-free campus would have a positive impact on their on-campus experience and 99% felt that smoking should be completely banned on campus or only allowed in designated areas.

"We are proud that the Sport Ireland Campus is now tobacco and e-cigarette free with the exception of designated smoking shelters. Thank you to the organisations that took part in the research, which will ultimately result in a cleaner, healthier environment on campus for all," commented Sport Ireland CEO, John Treacy, at the launch of the initiative.

Also speaking at the launch, Dublin hurler, Conal Keaney, emphasised that for any athlete training on campus, "it is important that the environment and facilities are high quality and free of smoke."

"Sport has always been a big part of my life and like all athletes, I want to train in a healthy environment. I'm delighted to be at the launch of this smoke-free initiative, and I look forward to more and more facilities becoming smoke free in the future," he said.

For help and advice on how to stop smoking, contact the HSE's QUIT service here.

*Pictured at the launch of the initiative were Sport Ireland CEO, John Treacy, Dublin Hurler, Conal Keaney, and the HSE's national lead for Tobacco Free Ireland, Martina Blake.