The decision has been met with some criticism.
Dublin City Council announced this morning that it has rejected plans for a supervised injection facility on Merchant’s Quay.
The council justified their decision citing a lack of a “robust policing plan and public realm plan” for the area surrounding the facility. In its reasons, it also wrote: “It is considered that the proposed development would undermine the existing local economy, in particular the growing tourism economy.”
It was further argued that the centre would have an “injurious” effect on the local community, and would hinder future regeneration of the area.
Minister for Health Promotion & the National Drugs Strategy Catherine Byrne has criticised the decision, saying she believed it was “the wrong decision.”
Tony Duffin, Director of addiction outreach programme The Ana Liffey Foundation previously spoke to JOE.ie about the benefits of the supervised injection facilities.
“SIFs will reduce the shame of public injection and get rid of the barrier between addicts and professional people who can help, and have a real conversation with users in real time.
“Users will get referred to healthcare facilities faster and things like their social circumstances and their housing situations will be assessed.”
Ireland currently has no active facilities.
Green Party councillor Patrick Costello has also spoken out against the decision, saying “I’m a social worker myself. The need for this facility is obvious and the evidence is clear. Supervised injection facilities are a proven way to save lives, prevent overdoses, and stop public injecting.
“The debate on these facilities is over. We have national legislation to allow them – it’s beyond time to get them up and running.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
