FURY OVER DRUG CLINIC

NORTHSIDE residents are up in arms over plans to open a methadone
clinic in Dublin 15 - right next to a day-centre for people with
intellectual disabilities and Down Syndrome.

The clinic, which the Health Service Executive (HSE) describes as a
"one stop shop" for drug addicts, will operate within feet of the
Weavers and Tofa day centre in Coolmine Industrial Estate.

Parents, who fear for the "exceptionally vulnerable and trusting"
people who attend the craft centre, are calling for the clinic to be relocated.

George King, spokesperson for the concerned parents, criticised the
HSE saying the drug clinic could pose risks to vulnerable people
attending the day centre.

"The plans for this drug clinic had been news to any of us until
recently," he told Northside People.

"Work has been going on in the building that will house the clinic
for a considerable time but, despite many enquiries as to what it was
to be used for, no information was divulged.

"We would hate anyone to think we are against a methadone dispensing
centre. We realise that such treatment is necessary. What we are
against is siting the clinic in such an unsuitable location."

Mr King explained how over 150 people rely and depend on Weavers and
Tofa, a service provided by the Daughters of Charity, for the safety,
routine and independence it provides.

"These people are naive and not street wise," he said.

"They are vulnerable. While those attending the new centre may be of
the highest character all it requires is one or two who are not, and
you have trouble."

"The limited independence of the service users is also at risk.

"The area at the back of the Tofa building which will house the front
door of the methadone clinic is used for recreational purposes, games
and barbeques for example.

"That would have to stop, so the little bit of independence that
improves their quality of life is lost."

Wally Freyne, CEO of the Daughters of Charity, told Northside People
that he has raised the concerns of parents with the HSE.

"My concerns are mainly on health and safety and welfare grounds," he stated.

"Primarily, we deal with very vulnerable people and I'm not aware of
any consultation with respect of the HSE, nor am I aware of a risk
assessment to show that the people we care for won't be put at risk."

Independent advocacy officer Gerry Rattigan, who works with the users
of the Weavers and Tofa, said the planned location of the drug clinic
was completely unsuitable.

"Obviously, these are two very vulnerable groups and there is no
argument that both services are vital but locating them side by side
is wrong," he told Northside People.

"It's hard to assess what the risks are as we have been given so
little information as to what services the drug clinic will provide.

"There should have been consultation as this is obviously a very
emotive issue."

Local businesses are also vehemently opposed to the siting of the
clinic in Coolmine Industrial Estate.

Damir Kadragic of Caterers' Supplies fears the clinic will bring
antisocial behaviour and undesirables to the area.

"I really don't think it's a good idea to have it operating in this
estate," he explained.

"It won't be safe for the young children who walk through the estate
on their way to school.

"It will attract antisocial behaviour and a lot of problems to the area."

Local TD Joan Burton (Lab) said she was shocked to learn of the
proposal to open the drug clinic and has called on the HSE to
reconsider the move.

"There has been a total lack of consideration for the affect this
will have on the community," she said.

Local councillor Mags Murray (FF) also fears the clinic will pose a
risk to all those who use the nearby bus stop.

"Around 1,800 school children attend three local schools, many of
whom use the 39 bus stop to get to and from school independently," she stated.

"As a result of the HSE's proposal, these children will share the
same bus stop with clients of the proposed methadone clinic."

A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed that the drug service will
commence in late April or May.

"To date the provision of Addiction Services in the Dublin 15
Blanchardstown area have been fragmented and delivered from a number
of different sites," she stated.

"This new facility at 37 Coolmine Industrial Estate will provide a
'one stop shop' for the provision of an addiction service to clients
in this area which will consist of GP services, counselling,
psychiatry, pharmacy dispensing and rehabilitation and aftercare in
conjunction with the voluntary and community organisations in the area.

"There are currently two community drug teams operating out of
premises in Coolmine Industrial Estate and there is a high level of
interagency work between the HSE and all organisations in the Dublin 15 area.

The HSE spokesperson concluded: "The Local Drugs Task Force has
advocated for such a centre since 2004 and are now supportive of the
opening of this new dedicated addiction service in the area."