Industrial grade "hippy crack" cylinders have been found on the ground in public places across Dublin.
Abuse of nitrous oxide by young people and teenagers is common across many parts of the city. 'Silver bullets', small steel capsules that contain the gas, are often found in parks where the drug is being abused.
The gas is inhaled to give the user a short high which can result in hallucination. It is known to be dangerous and has resulted in deaths.
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Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan found an industrial canister of the gas in Drimnagh recently and was told by local organisations that the canisters are not uncommon. He said: "This is deeply concerning.
"This is a product designed for use in medical and industrial environments. It is commonly known as 'laughing gas'."
The cannister Cllr Doolan found was labelled Fast Gas - a company that delivers the gas across all European countries. Fast Gas say their products are used to produce whipped cream in restaurant environments.
However, Cllr Doolan believes Fast Gas nitrous oxide products are being used for "non industrial use" due to the manner in which the package is delivered. Fast Gas' website says their packages arrive "anonymously" as they do not put logos on the box.
The website reads: "It arrives anonymously at your doorstep, or if you order for a friend at his of course. #just asking for a friend!"
Cllr Doolan said: "The company pride themselves on their website that they will send nitrous oxide directly to the purchaser in discreet packaging without any labelling. Clearly they know it's being bought for non industrial use.
"Residents and youth services have confirmed with me that industrial sized canisters have been found right across Dublin."
The Sinn Fein representative urged concerned parents to speak to their children. He said: "If you do suspect your child or any young person is inhaling nitrous oxide, don't panic.
"Don't bury your head in the sand. You're not alone. Get information about it. Talk to your children about it."
Fast Gas did not respond to queries from Dublin Live.
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