It’s claimed drug use in Clare is on the rise despite a fall in detected offences in the first three months of the year.
The latest Garda figures show 17 fewer drugs offences were detected between January and March, compared to the same period in 2016.
But it’s feared the fall in detection is a result of reduced Garda resources.
Figures released by Clare Gardaí show there were 71 drug offences detected in this county between January and March, a drop of 17 on the previous year.
Cannabis remains the most-used form of illicit drug, but Gardaí says there are up to 50 heroin addicts known to them in the county, and they say that as the economy improves, there are increased cases of cocaine use.
A member of the county’s Joint Policing Committee fears the reduction in detection is down to a lack of Garda resources, saying drugs are becoming widely available.
Sixmilebridge Councillor Alan O’Callaghan believes the problem here is spiralling out of control.
An Ennis addiction counsellor says demand for services have been on the rise in the past three months.
Gerry Murphy, who is the Treatment Team Leader at Bushy Park says it’s concerning.
In light of these concerns, Councillor O’Callaghan has re-iterated his call for the re-establishment of a specialised drugs unit, which had formerly been based in Shannon.
