TACKLING AN ISSUE THAT IS A ‘GROWING CONCERN’
A strategic plan aimed at reducing harm caused by alcohol in Sligo will help ‘make Sligo and Ireland a better and safer place to live’.
The support from the number and range of individuals, groups and organisations in the development of this strategy within the Community, Voluntary and Statutory sectors is a reflection of the strong desire to be proactive around an issue that is problematic across the island of Ireland.
Seamus Kilgannon, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, addressed the crowd at the launch of the five year plan and said: “I want to commend you for the professional and thorough way you have prepared this strategy. Key local agencies and the wider public had the opportunity to have their say on one of the most important issues facing our society. The scope of this consultation ensured that the invaluable experience and expertise of these agencies had been incorporated into this strategy. The strategy is about improving the health and well-being of all of us.”
Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, Chairperson of the North West Regional Drugs & Alcohol Task Force said the plan will help the health of the public.
“This five year strategy has been developed to prevent and reduce alcohol related harm in Sligo city. The strategy has been prepared by the Sligo City Alcohol sub-committee in conjunction with the HSE, North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force and a very wide range of organisations and groups within the community, both statutory and voluntary.
“The support that we received is a reflection of the desire of many agencies to be proactive around an issue that is problematic, an issue that is a growing concern across the island of Ireland.
“I believe that any efforts made in reducing consumption will help public health and our society and in doing so will make Sligo and Ireland a better and safer place for us all to live.”
Gardai Marita McGowan and Dave McDonagh, both stationed in Sligo Garda Station, said crimes such as public order offences, assaults and homicides, sexual assaults, criminal damage, domestic violence, road traffic offences and crimes involving youths are among the most common committed when someone is under the influence of alcohol.
The launch of the plan also heard that alcohol is a contributing factor in two out of five fatal collisions and 76% of all rape defendants drank alcohol at the time of alleged rape.
The Garda strategy for reducing harm caused by alcohol includes the following:
Increased patrols - prioritised in the policing plan.
Youth education schools, IT Sligo, etc.
Victims of Crime Office - Provide advice and support to victims of crime.
Continuous liaison between Gardai and the community.
Dr. Parvez Butt, Chairperson of Bodywyse, and board member of the region’s Rape Crisis Centre first became involved with the issue when his stepson developed a problem with alcohol.
He feels that alcohol is far too accessible - giving talks to to people here in Ireland.
“Every celebration that we have, alcohol is there. We make it acceptable. If alcohol came on the market today we would probably have treated it the same as heroin or cocaine.
“I’ve travelled a lot of countries, we are the only country, along with the UK, where there is no strict legislation or control for how alcohol is dealt with.
“In most of Europe and Canada, you can only buy alcohol at certain designated premises.
“Our decision makers are negligent. We need to be able to influence our representatives. We have come along way. We still have a long way to go. Please exert yourselves, don’t be afraid to say your piece,” he said.
The task force was established in 2002. In 2005, a three year strategic plan was launched, with another three year plan launched in 2011.
Sean O’Connor, NW Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force co-ordinator, said: “The role of the plan is to maintain an overview of the extent of drug use and misuse, to strengthen and support a community based focus on drug and alcohol misuse, and to oversee and monitor effectiveness of projects approved.”
He added: “At several meetings people have said ‘it’s students’. It’s not. The 25-44 age group account for half of the crimes caused by alcohol.
“Alcohol is also a bed-blocker in hospitals. It’s connected with cancer, obesity, cardiovascular problems, diabetes. Twenty per-cent of beds are blocked up by people with alcohol related illnesses.