A message of hope this Christmas

MEMBERS of a Northside community gathered last Thursday (December 10) in the north inner city to remember those who have died from drug-related causes.

Local residents marked the 20th anniversary of the lighting of a Christmas tree at the junction of Buckingham Street and Killarney Street, an area that was plagued by drug dealers in the past.

Dublin City Council first erected the tree in 1995 as a symbol of hope for the community, particularly its young people, and to commemorate all those who died from drug addiction.

This followed lobbying from Inner City Organisations Network (ICON) and the Drugs Working Group.  

Carina O’Brien, co-ordinator of ICON, said in the region of 500 people would have lost their lives from drug-related issues in the area over the last 20 years.

“However, this could be a modest figure as prior to 2004 and the setting up of the Drug Related Deaths Index, there was no way to measure or capture this figure,” Ms O’Brien told Northside People.

“This event is a reminder of the extent of the suffering that people from the north east inner city have experienced.

“The drugs issue has had a devastating effect on families in this area and impacted on how families grieved for their loved ones. 

“Families felt they couldn’t grieve because of the stigma and shame attached to drug use. 

“Families still feel they are in limbo while grieving because they are being judged and have nowhere to go.”

Ms O’Brien said that after the first tree went up “something positive” happened in the area. 

“It was once paralysed with shame but now there is a space for loved ones,” she said.  

“The tree became so symbolic that it acted as a deterrent to young people to use drugs as they could see just how many young lives were lost. 

“A permanent memorial was erected 15 years ago and reminds young people of what has been lost.”

A large number of family members of the deceased were among those in attendance on the night. 

ICON, established in 1993, is a network bringing together local projects to fight against increasing disadvantage and long-term unemployment to make sure that local voices are heard. 

Ms O’Brien said there has been huge progress made over the years to help families affected by the drugs issue. 

“Through the ICON Drugs Working Group, Citywide was established and through its work the Family Support Network was born,” said Ms O’Brien. 

“This is now a national organisation made up of 70 groups across the country but had its roots in the north inner city. 

“There are also a number of other community-based services that all support families around this issue from the neighbourhood youth projects to Crinan Youth and Family Support. 

“There are a number of supports and programmes in place that cover three main elements or pillars, from providing direct support to policy development to awareness raising. 

“A number of projects provide training to community groups and statutory service providers around counselling and advocacy for families affected by drug use.”

Ms O’Brien said the austerity cuts in recent years have disproportionately affected the most disadvantaged communities within the State, including her one. 

“Community funding was cut by over 30 per cent while cuts in general were only 7 per cent,” she stated.  

“This has huge impacts on both current and future delivery of drug, youth and family support services.”

Ms O’Brien added: “In order for this community to thrive there needs to be focussed investment with real inter-agency funding and support and a reversal of those disproportionate cuts or unfortunately the future could be a very bleak one for the area.”

Speaking about the tree lighting event, local man Fergus McCabe said: “It marks the loss and hurt we have experienced in our families and communities, and again reminds us that when we stand together with purpose, we can find ways beyond the destruction of drugs and violence.”   

•The Family Support Network can be contacted on 01-8980148 or visit www.fsn.ie