Dundalk District Court drug convictions decreased last year

Dundalk District Court saw a 37% drop in drug convictions with 65 convictions in 2025 compared to 103 in 2024, according to Freedom of Information (FOI) figures released by Fianna Fail MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.

The overall figures showed that district court drug convictions in many towns have remained relatively stable or declined, but some towns and counties have recorded significant rises in the number of people convicted in the district court system on drugs offences.

Dublin topped the table of drug offence convictions, with 2,071 people convicted of drug offences in the capital in 2025 - up 11% on 2024.

Drug convictions in District Courts are well above pre-pandemic levels (2019), with 2021 recording the highest number of drug offence convictions.

Ní Mhurchú, a former barrister, said the disparity in drug convictions across District Court offices warrants investigation.

She added that drugs in the community are a major concern raised by parents, community leaders, pub owners, and Gardaí.

The MEP has also previously highlighted a 37% year-on-year rise in drug-driving offences.

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The figures show that a small number of people were convicted in 2025 for attempting to smuggle drugs into prisons with greater numbers convicted of drug possession, possession for sale or supply, cannabis cultivation, and a small number of forged prescription cases.

Ní Mhurchú has called for the swift implementation of the governments National Drugs Strategy, 2026- 2029.