It’s claimed it’s a ‘farcical notion’ to expect Gardaí alone to crack down on the drugs problem in West Clare when resources are being stripped away.
Concern has been expressed about the growing problems with addiction, with calls now to establish a working group to tackle the issue.
Last week’s meeting of the West Clare Municipal District heard that the drugs issue in the Kilrush region has gotten so bad, that some people are walking around in a ‘zombie-like’ state.
Cathaoirleach Ian Lynch is calling for the establishment of a working group to tackle the issue with input from the likes of the the Gardaí, Clare TDs and the HSE.
A meeting of some key agencies is to be held next month to discuss interventions for post addiction services in the West of the county.
But Independent Councillor Lynch fears the problem has got so bad that it’s going to be difficult to get a handle of – and Gardaí’s resources are too stretched.
Cllr Lynch’s motion is calling for increased policing resources to be deployed in West Clare to help stamp out the problem.
He also wants a number of long and short term measures to be introduced including skills development and job creation to ensure people don’t fall into the addiction pitfall.
The situation on the other side of the Shannon is said to be just as bad.
Limerick Councillor Emmet O’Brien says there are no areas that are escaping the issue but it’s an important conversation to have.
