Action planned to tackle drugs and alcohol abuse across Tallaght, Clondalkin and Ballyfermot

By Maurice Garvey

DRUGS and alcohol task forces in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Tallaght have developed action plans to tackle alcohol abuse, as part of a new national community network.

The Community Action on Alcohol Network was launched on Wednesday, at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce by Minister of State, Catherine Byrne.

The initiative is in direct response to the call from communities to combat the devastating impact alcohol is having on their communities.

Minister of State, Catherine Byrne, said: “I would like to acknowledge the important role that projects have played in mobilising local communities to work together to tackle alcohol-related harm.

“I also very much welcome the development of the network, which will help to sustain this initiative into the future.

“I believe the network will help foster the evidence-based approach to community action on alcohol that we need, and will help in the sharing of best practice so that more communities can get involved.”

Members of community in Dublin 12, led by the Dublin 12 Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force (LDATF), are in the final stages of developing a strategy for the Crumlin, Drimnagh, Kimmage Walkinstown and Greenhills areas.

The strategy involves working on issues such as availability of alcohol, underage drinking, early screening and referral to appropriate support services, alcohol advertising and highlighting relevant legislation such as the upcoming Public Health Alcohol Bill which is due shortly before the Seanad.

The project is funded by the HSE and governed by a project steering group based in the Department of Health.