Rising drug abuse and homelessness plague the city

HOMELESSNESS and drug abuse continues to grow in Dublin and around the country, the latest report from Merchant’s Quay Ireland has revealed.

The organisation’s annual review 2013 was launched last week by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Christy Burke.

This, the 17th annual review released by the group, highlights what it terms the increasing levels of hardship and vulnerability experienced by many men and women caught in drugs and homelessness today.

“While there is much talk of the improving economic situation, these improvements haven’t filtered down to those most in need,

? Merchant’s Quay stated.

Among the findings in the report is the fact that their homeless food service provided over 85,000 meals in 2013, an 11 per cent increase over 2012.

“Our primary healthcare service for homeless people provided over 4,500 individual client interventions which is a 35 per cent increase on 2012,

? the report finds.

“These statistics are strong indications of the increasing levels of hardship and vulnerability experienced by homeless people

?.

Their needle exchange service in Dublin recorded over 25,000 client visits, showing an increase of 16 per cent on 2012.

“In total over 3,260 individuals accessed our needle exchange programme during 2013, of which 614 were new service users, an increase of 10 per cent,

? the report adds.

Growth in drug use outside Dublin has also continued as Merchant’s Quay Ireland’s Midlands Harm Reduction Outreach Service saw 3,264 visits to the service, an increase of 34 per cent.

“Across our residential facilities there are an increased number of people from outside Dublin accessing services,

? the report reveals.

“A total of 58 per cent of admissions at the St Francis Farm Detox unit came from outside Dublin. The detox unit served clients from across 18 counties.

“And 48 per cent of those accessing our drug-free rehabilitation service based at High Park, Drumcondra and St Francis Farm, Tullow were from outside the Dublin region.

“This highlights the real need for detox and rehab facilities across Ireland.

?

Speaking at the launch of the report, Tony Geoghegan, CEO of Merchant’s Quay Ireland said:

“It’s totally unacceptable that up to 150 people are sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin every night.

“While there is much talk of the improving economic situation, these improvements haven’t filtered down to those most in need.

“In fact, conversely, as the economy recovers, it has placed increased pressure on the over-priced rental market and is trapping more and more people in homelessness.

“With the budget due soon we call on the Government to honour their commitment to social justice and ensure that the benefits of the recovery are targeted to protect the most vulnerable men and women in Ireland.

?