Drug problem is out of control Minister told

September 2007

THE drug problem in Dundalk is out of control and needs to be urgently addressed at government level, a Fianna Fáil minister hears.

Minister of State with responsibility for drugs strategy, Pat Carey, is in Dundalk to hear from people working at the coalface of this growing problem.

Minister Carey, who comes as a result of an invitation from Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan, visits Muirhevnamór community centre, and meets community groups from across the town.

Drugs outreach worker, John Connolly, says he has lived in Muirhevnamór all his life, and got his eyes opened when he started working on the drugs issue last May.

He admits people are very disappointed with the current level of support services and access to counselling and methadone provided by the HSE.

‘Dundalk is rampant with drugs. It will come to the brink of crisis shortly. Unless we get our act together, we are condemning our young people before they get a chance to live,’ Mr. Connolly believes.

Cox’s community worker, Gerry Bradley points out efforts are being on the estate to help former drugs users but people in officialdom are not listening to them.

Maurice McConville, from Le Chéile community group in Cox’s Demesne, says plans have been drawn up from the estate and Muirhevnamór for a centre to provide counselling, methadone programmes and education for drug users.

Minister Carey urges the community groups to continue their work, knowing he is behind them.

Mr. Morgan adds he finds the minister sincere, and hopes he will deliver for communities.