Kildare Cllr calls for State-run rehabilitation in response to ‘Dublin overdose crisis’

A Kildare county councillor has called for State-run rehabilitation and 'comprehensive drug services' in response to what he called Dublin's 'overdose crisis.'

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who also sits on the South Western Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force, made the comments in response to the Health Service Executive (HSE)'s recent announcement regarding the increase in heroin overdoses in Dublin, and also related to the presence of Nitazenes.

According to Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, Nitazenes are 'a potent and dangerous synthetic opioid.'

The Newbridge-based Cllr said: "I am urgently calling for an empathetic and effective response to this crisis; this includes the establishment of safe consumption facilities, widespread Naloxone training, and a critical need for state-run rehabilitation services.

"The heartbreaking situation in Dublin is a stark reminder of the struggles faced by individuals battling addiction across the country including here in Kildare."

He continued: "these are not just statistics; they are our community members, our friends, and our family.

The government's inadequate investment in drug services has left many vulnerable people without the support they desperately need."

Expressing his wish to see safe consumption facilities, Cllr Pender said: "These facilities represent a compassionate approach to dealing with drug addiction, providing a safe haven and a gateway to recovery and health services for those who are most at risk."

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File pic.

Commenting on the topic of Naloxone training, he said: "We must equip our frontline workers with the knowledge and tools to deal with opioid overdoses.

"Naloxone can save lives, and its widespread availability, along with proper training, is imperative in our fight against this ongoing crisis."

Cllr Pender also commented the critical gap in state-run rehabilitation services: "It's deeply concerning that not a single state-run rehabilitation or residential support service exists in our country.

"We urgently need government intervention to establish state-run rehabilitation services that provide consistent, evidence-based treatment."

He was also criticial of the government’s current stance on combatting drug misuse: "The absence of state-run facilities reflects a significant gap in our national health policy. Addiction is a public health issue, and it's time for the government to invest in comprehensive, state-supported rehabilitation services that can cater to the diverse needs of those struggling with addiction."

Cllr Pender continued: "As a society, we must come together to support those in the grips of addiction.

"We need policies and services that reflect empathy and understanding, not stigma and indifference."

"Let's work towards creating a supportive environment where everyone has access to the care and help they need," he concluded.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).

For further information about related to seeking treatment to drug and alcohol abuse, please contact the HSE's confidential drugs and alcohol freephone helpline on 1800 459 459, from Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm, or email helpline@hse.ie.