Grave concern over availability of crack cocaine in Tallaght housing estates

By Mary Dennehy

DRUG projects have voiced their concerns over the prevalence and availability of crack cocaine in Tallaght estates, with the highly addictive drug being smoked by people as young as 13.

On the radar of drug projects for some time, crack cocaine, which is a form of smokable cocaine, is a highly addictive substance that is becoming part of the poly-drug use culture not only in Tallaght but in communities nationwide.

In March 2016, The Echo reported on how a number of children were taken into care due to a crack cocaine addiction in the home, and the risk that the substance posed to both those with ongoing addiction issues and recreational habits.

A year later, crack cocaine has, according to local drug projects, secured a stronghold in local communities, with the drug “available on every corner” in Tallaght.

Liam Collins, co-ordinator of the Fettercairn Drug Rehabilitation Project, told The Echo: “The city is alive with crack cocaine, and it is emerging in Tallaght quite strong.

“The drug is being peddled around estates by young lads, who would have been selling cocaine and are now selling crack cocaine too, the two drugs go hand-in-hand.

“Crack cocaine is much cheaper than powder cocaine, I understand that it costs around €20 or €30.

“The lower price and availability is a real concern, and we have heard reports of young teenagers using the drug.”

According to Mr Collins, the drug also poses a serious risk to people in recovery, who, vulnerable, are exposed to crack cocaine in the community.

“With crack cocaine there is a more intense high and like powder cocaine, it has the ability to magnify depression”, he said.

“The highs equal the lows and people can very quickly fall into deep depression and deep despair, it creates a whole cycle of depravity.”

He added: “Crack cocaine is the most powerful, psychologically addictive drug and the cravings kick in very rapid.

“I am in no doubt that craic cocaine is going to become a huge problem . . . and a real effort needs to be made to respond to this.

“An investment needs to be made in local drug projects and manpower . . . we also need to look at the possibility of outreach.”

Another local drug worker, who wishes to remain unnamed, told The Echo that he is also “very concerned” over the hold crack cocaine is having on communities.

He said: “It’s a huge problem in communities, there’s dealing on every corner.

“In our project we would easily see between ten to 12 people a week in relation to crack cocaine and the problem is getting worse.

“The money being pumped in the task forces is just not enough.”

When contacted by The Echo, Grace Hill, of the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force, said that it “notes with concern” recent reports and will be monitoring the situation closely with their addiction services, community representatives and colleagues in South Dublin County Council and Tallaght Garda Station.

For further information on local drug projects and the services they provide visit www.tallaghtdatf.ie