| Drug service finally gets badly needed funding |
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| Wednesday, 03 September 2008 | |
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A VITAL Northside service to help drug users in the Liffey boardwalk area has finally received funding for a long-awaited expansion. The extra resources have allowed the Ana Liffey Drugs Project (ALDP) to hire six extra staff to cater for the growing demand for its service. The centre, which is located on Middle Abbey Street, works as a ‘harm reduction project’ for those experiencing drug use and homelessness in the city. Resources for the initiative were stepped up to deal with the problems associated with the Liffey boardwalk which has become a popular haunt for drug users in recent years. However, in recent months there were concerns that the funding had fallen through. According to ALDP director, Tony Duffin, the expansion which was awarded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, “did not come before its time”. “The centre will now deliver an improved assertive outreach programme which tackles the core of drug use in the inner city,” he told Northside People. “It is intended that the new enhanced services will improve the care and case management of people experiencing problem drug use and who are homeless in the city centre area. “Defined progression routes for people using drugs will be developed, including stabilisation and other support services.” He added: “Public areas in the local business district will also have the opportunity to experience the benefits of enhanced outreach support from the Ana Liffey Drug Project.” Mr Duffin praised the support and engagement of local businesses in addressing the issues related to drug use Dublin 1. The outreach programme and an extension of opening hours has contributed to a 50 per cent increase in visits to the project last year. The project now has over 13,000 visits annually. In February of this year alone, over 2,700 people visited the centre to avail of the services provided. The centre will further expand in November when it will operate from a neighbouring building in response to the increase in demand for the service. According to local councillor, Emer Costello (Lab), the necessary funding should always be made available for the vital service. “This expansion is not before its time. It was touch and go whether they would get it at all,” she told Northside People. “The expansion of the service is thanks to the hard work of Tony Duffin and his staff who managed to secure the funding. “I believe it is crucial that funding for the Ana Liffey Project is mainstreamed so that the necessary resources are available if and when the service needs them.” |
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Developed by Kevin Flynn