Motion passed calling for ‘a clear outline’ on what additional resources will be provided to drugs projects

A MOTION has been passed by Tallaght councillors calling for a ‘clear outline’ on what additional resources will be provided to drug projects following national coverage and debate on crack cocaine use.

Last May, Tallaght became the subject of multiple headlines and broadcasts when reports emerged that there was, at that time, an estimated 100 crack cocaine houses across the area.

Much of the coverage focused on the numbers, not on the individuals, families and communities behind the headlines, and the many drug projects that have been highlighting the emergence of crack cocaine in recent years.

However, the headlines generated debate and discussion around an issue that is not only affecting Tallaght.

There was also an Oireachtas debate on the issue of crack cocaine, which the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) contributed to – and after which a resource commitment was made to the people of Tallaght, Ballyfermot and Ballymun.

Six months down the line and no clarity or confirmation has been received from Government on how projects will be supported to respond to emerging needs.

At a recent Tallaght Area Committee Meeting, a motion written by Solidarity councillors Kieran Mahon and Leah Whelan asked that a letter be sent to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Minister of State for Drugs Policy Frank Feighan and other relevant departments requesting a ‘clear outline’.

The motion was passed.

In a comment to The Echo, Cllr Mahon said: “Too many people in our communities are traumatised by a society that rips people’s fabric and self-worth apart and is failing to offer a viable future and the supports needed to stabilise their situation.

“The so-called safety net has been ripped away by a decade of cuts, under funding and neglect of the most vulnerable by government policy.

“Local communities are being dragged into the consequences of serious drug addiction and we can’t stand by and watch people be abandoned to addiction or those who profit from the drug trade.”

According to Cllr Mahon, interventions are needed – financial resources, community spaces and qualified workers for frontline services.

“The Minister and Government know about the issues and need to clarify what steps they are taking”, Cllr Mahon said.

“Where’s the additional money?

“Where are the additional resources?”

In recent months, the TDATF has been compiling an evidence-based report on the changing landscape of drug culture in Tallaght, a report which is being sent to the Department.

Speaking with The Echo, Grace Hill, TDATF co-ordinator, highlighted an increase in Tallaght’s population, deprivation, and drug use levels in the past 10 years.

She also highlighted how despite these changes the taskforce continues to operate on 2012 funding levels.

“We can’t help but feel sad,” Ms Hill told The Echo.

“Nothing has changed, we’ve been talking about crack cocaine since 2018 and nobody is listening, nobody cares.”

Ms Hill stressed how in Tallaght drug projects, local organisations, TDs, councillors, and members of the community are committed – and are together trying to respond to the raft of complex social issues arising from crack cocaine use.

However, support is needed from a government level.

“We met with the Minister last week and he’s talking pennies not pounds,” she said.

“Take the Budget [this week], there’s such small money in it for drug projects that you never hear about it on Budget Day, we just have to wait for it to trickle down.

“We are hopeful that once our report is launched that it will strengthen [the community’s call for additional resources and support].”

Ms Hill did note positive discussions with the Department on proposals to change the allocation of drug task force funding to a population-based approach, which she believes could benefit larger areas like Tallaght.

The Echo put a number of questions to the Department of Health, but a reply was not received in time for print.

For a list of community-based drug projects and services, including family supports, visit www.tallaghtdatf.ie or call 01 4649303.