Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

'An example of how bad it can get': We counted 13 syringes down this tiny Dublin alleyway

The site shows that public injecting is still a major problem, a drug service worker said.

TheJournal.ie / YouTube

DRUG LITTER IS nothing new in Dublin city centre – but this site, just off Abbey Street, is one of the worst we’ve seen recently.

Alongside dozens of wrappers from citric acid and saline water, which is used in the injecting process, there were at least thirteen syringes or partial syringes lying around the ground when TheJournal.ie visited yesterday morning.

Hoarding along the side of the alley had been torn down, and there was evidence that people had been sleeping rough and injecting drugs in a small patch of waste ground off Abbey Cottages – a laneway close to the Jervis Luas stop.

Tony Duffin of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, a support service that works with drug users in the city, said it was an example of how bad the problem of public injecting can get in Dublin.

“All that paraphernalia that you’ve seen there indicates that many people have been down there in the last 48 hours or so, injecting themselves,” Duffin said.

Every time someone injects themselves and hides themselves away they risk fatal overdose. There’s a heightened risk of blood-borne viruses. There’s an increased risk of infection and vein damage.

The scene on the laneway was “very, very bad”, Duffin said – although he’s also witnessed similar levels of drug litter at other locations recently, including at Parnell Square and at the Four Courts.

needle Daragh Brophy / TheJournal.ie Daragh Brophy / TheJournal.ie / TheJournal.ie

The site showed that public injecting was still a major problem and highlighted the need for a supervised injecting centre in the city, he said.

After years of lobbying by the Ana Liffey group and others, legislation to set up a pilot injecting centre was passed by the Oireachtas last month.

“For our part it was five years, three months and 27 days of lobbying to see the supervised injecting facilities legislation enacted. Many people worked on this – sharing their knowledge, skills and expertise along the way.

We all need the pilot supervised injecting facility implemented in Dublin as a matter of urgency.

Supervised injecting centres, which provide sterile injecting equipment and are overseen by medical staff, have been set up in other countries. Their proponents argue that they help stem the spread of blood-borne diseases, cut down on overdose deaths, and get people into a system where they can seek treatment options.

It’s hoped that associated problems, like dangerous drug litter, would be alleviated by the establishment of the first Irish centre.

Read: “You wonder – why are you on the street?”: Pat Kenny spent a night examining the homelessness crisis >

Read: The needles on the cobbles are nothing new – but the human excrement is shocking >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
71 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute dead right
    Favourite dead right
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 7:55 AM

    sure give them all a free house.

    312
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tommy Browne
    Favourite Tommy Browne
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 9:16 AM

    and free drugs

    143
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vincent
    Favourite Vincent
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 10:46 AM

    @Tommy Browne: and free travel and spending money. Oh and free legal aid when they rob us.

    127
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 11:08 AM

    @Vincent: they get those things already!

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fran Kembo
    Favourite Fran Kembo
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 12:13 PM

    @Suzie Sunshine:
    WHAT I pay through the nose for everything

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steve Austin
    Favourite Steve Austin
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 4:58 PM

    @Fran Kembo: CCTV on all these locations ..monitoring the junkies taking illegal drugs ..Garda arrive arrest these people taking illegal drugs ..sent to prison… it’s strange how the bleeding harts never wonder where these junkies get the money to buy illegal drugs twice a day ..

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute alphanautica
    Favourite alphanautica
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:12 AM

    Let’s create a DNA database of those people who have decided to become druggies.

    If a used syringe is found carelessly disposed of we can easily identify who left it there and charge them.

    192
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan
    Favourite Alan
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:17 AM

    @alphanautica: did your 9 year old come up with that solution?

    99
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TheHeathen
    Favourite TheHeathen
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:52 AM

    @Goebbels: Fantastic idea but why not one step further? Maybe a DNA database of everyone and anyone that does anything wrong send them for re-education? Maybe we could call that place Room 101?

    52
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tommy Browne
    Favourite Tommy Browne
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 9:41 AM

    @alphanautica:
    Another important proposal would be to place solar panels on the roof of all injection centres which could generate electricity to power electric taxis to drive the addicts home after the fix.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute alphanautica
    Favourite alphanautica
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 10:13 AM

    @Alan: what’s the problem? If you decide to take drugs and demand Taxpayer support for your personal choices, why shouldn’t the State have your DNA on a database?
    You might also choose to mug someone, burgle a house, leave lethal syringes in playgrounds, or lay about waiting for others to pay your way.
    The least you can do in return is supply your DNA and save a lot of garda time and increase public safety.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Scundered
    Favourite Scundered
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 2:52 PM

    @Tommy Browne: connect it to an electric chair instead

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dj
    Favourite Dj
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:06 AM

    I don’t see any end to this problem. Injection centres will just increase the number of addicts.

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew
    Favourite Andrew
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:10 AM

    @Dj: How? People aren’t going to start taking heroin because of a convenient injecting facility.

    127
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Bob
    Favourite The Bob
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:11 AM

    @Dj: Have you any evidence for this? It hasn’t happened in other cities where they have them.

    35
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dj
    Favourite Dj
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:46 AM

    @Andrew: That’s not what I meant. That’s like saying people aren’t going to take up drink driving because of convenient roads that allow it. A desire to get clean and a supervised detox is what’s needed. Injection centres will just prolong the inevitable. Overdose or prison. An alcoholic isn’t going to get sober by supervised drinking. Injection centres might decrease crime, but does nothing to help a drug addict in the long term. You’ll obviously get the exceptions,but these people will have that desire to get clean anyway, injection centre or not.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gus Sheridan
    Favourite Gus Sheridan
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:57 AM

    @Andrew: agreed. How can injecting centres encourage people to take drugs?

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dj
    Favourite Dj
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 9:10 AM

    @Gus Sheridan: I never said they encourage people to take drugs. I said they increase the number of addicts.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Scundered
    Favourite Scundered
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:38 AM

    Lock them up till they get clean.

    88
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Meekus
    Favourite Meekus
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 3:03 PM

    @Scundered: Makes sense, no drugs in prison of course.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Meekus
    Favourite Meekus
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 3:05 PM

    Also, unusual to see an article written in The Journal where the journalist had to get up from a seat

    9
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Scundered
    Favourite Scundered
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 2:52 PM

    @Meekus: keep them inside so

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Hickey
    Favourite Shane Hickey
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 9:22 AM

    junkies bring nothing but misery and crime. i really don’t care what happens to them

    126
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mark kenny
    Favourite mark kenny
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 10:34 AM

    Drugs are a scourge but at some stage these people have to take some personnel responsibility.They can keep making excuses all their lives but until they swap the junk for actually living and experiencing all lifes emotions with a sober mind,they are copping out on life.

    I agree there is far too many methadone clinics bang in the heart of the city centre where hundreds of addicts roam freely amongst the general population and tourists.It can be an ugly sight.

    I enjoyed a few drinks outside O Connels bar on Batchelor Walk last week and in the time it took to neck one pint i must have had five addicts pester me for change.I moved on soon after.They can be a nuisance.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Redmond
    Favourite Gavin Redmond
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:04 AM

    It hard to believe that DCC don’t do what we are paying for in our taxes, not taken the syringes into it look at the rubbish all this is paid for within our general taxation.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OpenLitterMap
    Favourite OpenLitterMap
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:04 AM

    You can map any kind of litter @ openlittermap.com however there needs to be a debate about the openness of this data. On one hand the data could teach people to remain extra vigilant in various hotspots. I have found dozens of needles in locations around Dublin and have lots of data to share. However on the other hand open data could result in the increased marginalisation of already very marginalised people. It would be great to hear some opinions on this

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Brunkard
    Favourite Thomas Brunkard
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:29 AM

    @OpenLitterMap: information doesn’t marginalise people. People marginalise people.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ocJBI3Df
    Favourite ocJBI3Df
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 11:10 AM

    @Thomas Brunkard: Guns don’t kill people, people kill people. Help me help you. You had me at hello. You can’t get blood out of a stone.

    7
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ocJBI3Df
    Favourite ocJBI3Df
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 11:18 AM

    @OpenLitterMap: Nice advertisement. Here’s an idea for you MapWhoGivesAFuk.com

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute
    Favourite
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 10:26 AM

    They should take look inside the derelict building near Kevin Street Garda Station Dublin on the jct of Peter St / Bride St the amount of needles there you wouldn’t believe.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian magee
    Favourite brian magee
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:25 AM

    Go down a different Allley and there’s none. If you go into a bear cave you’ll find best poo. It doesn’t make it a true representation of what’s happening

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ocJBI3Df
    Favourite ocJBI3Df
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 11:15 AM

    @brian magee: It does. Who goes poo hunting?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 10:16 AM

    Put them on an island and give them all the drugs they want , if they want to get clean help them, if not leave them there to rot ,

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ocJBI3Df
    Favourite ocJBI3Df
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 11:14 AM

    @PaulOD: They’re already on an island

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 2:20 PM

    @ocJBI3Df: ah yeah good lad

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rathminder
    Favourite Rathminder
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:58 AM

    I hear statistics about overdose deaths, but never seem to see news stories to address a specific week or month’s statistics for Dublin. Perhaps if some news source, such as the Journal, published that information people would see the need for injection centre. Will junkies take the time and make the effort? Some will, others won’t. A pilot project is worth a try to monitor its effect on public health if nothing else.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Cunningham
    Favourite Paul Cunningham
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 9:51 AM

    Surprised you only found 13, seem to trip over them on the way to work sometimes with the amount of casually discarded syringes.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aural Abuse
    Favourite Aural Abuse
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 11:57 AM

    The needle exchanges should be handing out retractable needles. At least that would reduce the risk of a needle stick injury for the public/emergency services etc

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Radburn
    Favourite Paul Radburn
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 7:16 PM

    There’s a place where they can shoot up in peace, it’s called a gas chamber.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mark kenny
    Favourite mark kenny
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 8:44 AM

    Had to be 13.Do these poor creatures have any luck?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ocJBI3Df
    Favourite ocJBI3Df
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 11:13 AM

    @mark kenny: Yeah, they’re very lucky. They’ve got skag, which unless the good people who invented trainspotting are lying to us is 100 times better than sex. I like sex, whether it be alone or with other people, 100 times better sounds good to me

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Finn
    Favourite Stephen Finn
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 2:19 PM

    close merchant quay its got worse down there no one in charge, give them all the drugs they want kill them off and save the tax payer money and make the streets safe from these filth who buy the way wear the best tracksuits and runner thieving can get!

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Greene
    Favourite Martin Greene
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 9:11 AM

    Shoot em all, bums.

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ocJBI3Df
    Favourite ocJBI3Df
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 11:14 AM

    @Martin Greene: Spa

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Meekus
    Favourite Meekus
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 3:01 PM

    @Martin Greene: Ape

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 3:35 PM

    Some masterminds on here. Understanding and empathy is also in abundance.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 4:17 PM

    @Ian Heaton: sure , what about if a child ( your child ) pr!cked themselves , or if a needle is shoved down a seat on a bus and someone ( you or you or partner) pr!cked themselves , im sure that you would understand and have empathy with them,

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Finn
    Favourite Stephen Finn
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 6:33 PM

    @Ian Heaton: take a junkie home and look after it!

    8
    See 23 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 7:10 PM

    @Stephen Finn: I bet that you’re just worried about looking after yourself.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 7:12 PM

    @PaulOD: God forbid you get down on your luck and you end up indulging.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 9:41 PM

    @Ian Heaton: i choose NOT to take drugs its a simple choice , god forbid if one of those junkies eyes up your phone while your walking down an alley , and he pulls out a needle on you or someone you know

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Finn
    Favourite Stephen Finn
    Report
    Jun 24th 2017, 10:37 PM

    @Ian Heaton: as I said take a junkie home with you, you get out of life what you put into it, these people put shit into their bodies I didn’t. my taxies pay for their free transport and care and hospital care go to an AE and see for yourself while real sick people cant get it.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 25th 2017, 7:42 AM

    @Lizzy Hennessy: thats boll!x , as i said its a choice , so only teenagers go on to become junkies , no, u dont know where i live , and only SHY people get hooked on drugs , your comment is simply false

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 25th 2017, 7:45 AM

    @Ian Heaton: why should he be worried about a junkie that made a choice to stick a needle in his arm ,

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 25th 2017, 1:56 PM

    @PaulOD: Do you smoke? Do you drink alcohol? Do you drink coffee? Has anyone pulled a needle out on you?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 25th 2017, 2:00 PM

    @Stephen Finn: Have you got everything out of life that you’ve put in to it? They are sick, they have an addiction.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 25th 2017, 11:21 PM

    @Ian Heaton: i dont smoke , by choice , i drink on occasion By choice , i drink coffee By choice , and no not on me, why do u ask? These people had a CHOICE to take drugs , i was offered drugs when i was younger i said NO, these people will do anything to get their next fix ,

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 26th 2017, 8:17 AM

    @PaulOD: You’re still taking drugs, and that’s your choice as you make out. Their drug of choice is potentially more addictive, and because they are addicyed they have an illness. You go on that every one injecting is pulling needles out on everyone when it’s only isolated cases at worst.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 26th 2017, 10:32 AM

    @Ian Heaton: correct you said it its a choice , and they choose to inject, i NEVER said everyone is pulling needles out on every1 , all it takes is one to destroy sombodys life , coffee is a drug as u state what harm would a child come to if a person threw a empty coffee cup away, if a junkie threw a used needle ,

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 26th 2017, 11:29 AM

    @PaulOD: But it’s not necessarily a choice for them, they are addicted and therefore an illness. If injecting centres were introduced then you reduce the chance of badly disposed needles.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 26th 2017, 4:04 PM

    @Ian Heaton: when they were first offered it , they had a choice , no mr drug dealer i dont want any drugs , thank you , you may reduce it but it wont get rid of it , put them on spike island , give them all the drugs they want, and give them the choice of getting clean if they desire

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 26th 2017, 6:51 PM

    @PaulOD: Perhaps you need to do as your name suggests and OD. It’d be one less balloon.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 7:31 AM

    @Ian Heaton: good boy Ian , as i stated i choose not to take drugs , go back to liverpool and rob a few houses, thats a good lad

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 7:41 AM

    @PaulOD: At least I can choose not to rob houses, you have no choice in being a balloon.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 7:50 AM

    @Ian Heaton: u had a choice to marry a beast

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 11:31 AM

    @PaulOD: I’m not even married, so at least get your facts right.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 12:41 PM

    @Ian Heaton: sure thing

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 1:40 PM

    @PaulOD: Sure thing you’ve contradicted yourself.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 3:37 PM

    @Ian Heaton: ah yeah , sure thing ,

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Heaton
    Favourite Ian Heaton
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 7:12 PM

    @PaulOD: Parrot as well as a balloon.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PaulOD
    Favourite PaulOD
    Report
    Jun 27th 2017, 10:03 PM

    @Ian Heaton: go rob a car , or a house , or marry that beast ,

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds