Discarded needles and syringes on the increase in open public spaces
By Aura McMenamin
THE PREVALENCE of discarded needles used for drug use in open spaces in Clondalkin has increased at a time when local services are under severe financial strain, according to the Clondalkin Drugs Task Force (CDTF).
CDTF, who support and coordinate local drug treatment services such as Tus Nua and CASP, say the problem has been exacerbated by people using the rail network to enter Clondalkin and purchase and use drugs in the area.
At Monday’s (15th) council meeting, Sinn Fein councillor for Clondalkin Mark Ward put forward a motion calling on South Dublin County Council to provide a report on the council’s policy and procedures in relation to picking up discarded needles and syringes.
According to Cllr Ward, whose motion was passed, increases in the cost of insurance for local drugs services has impeded them from picking up these needles as was done in the past, with the help of the council.
He also noted reports of a slower response time from the council in going out to sites to pick up the needles, with one site in Southwest Clondalkin not being cleaned for four days after it was reported.
Cllr Ward said: “One of the unseen consequences of the increases in insurance costs is the effect that it is having on community groups and their ability to deliver services.
“It was reported to me that the costs have risen from €2,000 per annum to €10,000 per annum to be insured to deliver this service.”
Sandra Mullen, coordinator at the CDTF, said insurance rates had ‘skyrocketed’: “It is the primary responsibility of the local authority, but the cost of insurance has had a significant impact on allowing services to carry out this role.”
According to Ms Mullen, the cuts in funding to local services by the HSE and other agencies after 2008 have not been reinstated.
“Most [drugs services] are barely surviving in a context where problems are increasing,” she said.
Cllr Ward told The Echo that he attended a meeting held by Gardai on Monday, before the council meeting, where representatives from Irish Rail, CASP and Tus Nua learned of the increased use of the Clondalkin/Fonthill rail service by people specifically looking to buy drugs, with discarded needles and syringes being left near the station.
Ms Mullen told The Echo: “Services have been engaging with Irish Rail, but they need an integrated and coordinated response from the local authority.”
During his motion debate on Monday (15th), Cllr Ward also suggested introducing bins specifically for syringe disposal in ‘hotspots’, that drug users could use – which Dublin City Council piloted in 2016.
A senior council official told the chamber on Monday that the council was willing to meet with local stakeholders including the drugs task force and the Gardai to work out a comprehensive solution to the problem.
The council also said that this year, they would begin recording the number of needle dumps they come across, separate from other types of illegal dumping.
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