Funding boost for Kilkenny welcomed by local representative

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, has welcomed additional funding of €330,000 for drugs and inclusion health services in counties Kilkenny, Carlow, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford.

On Thursday, Drugs Strategy Minister, Hildegarde Naughton, announced a total of €3.5 million in annual funding to maintain the existing level of drugs and inclusion health services provided by community and voluntary organisations.

The funding will be distributed by community healthcare organisations (CHOs), based on guidance issued by the Department of Health and it is envisaged that it will be distributed in the third quarter of this year.

Responding to the announcement, the TD for Carlow-Kilkenny stated: "This significant investment for community and voluntary organisations recognises the important role that these groups play in helping the health service meet the needs of socially excluded groups such as people who use drugs and people who are homeless.

It also acknowledges that these organisations, which provide essential services, have been struggling with increased costs," Deputy O'Connor said.