Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Drugs are a reality and, because the crisis is so prevalent, nine former Ministers who have held responsibility for the national drug strategy came together this week and called on the Taoiseach to intervene to restore confidence in the strategy. Figures published recently show that the most significant increases in recorded drug crime nationally are occurring outside Dublin, leading to warnings that the country is undergoing a drugs boom, most of it centred on regional towns and cities. In Waterford, offences for possession and intent to supply have risen by one third in the past year, which is a very worrying trend. Towns in County Waterford are no exception. CSO data show increases in controlled drug offences in Dungarvan, where the number of offences rose by 142% between 2015 and last year. The equivalent figure for Tramore was 144%.

Recently 30 publicans gathered in a co-working space in Waterford for a masterclass on drugs.

The meeting was held as part of the Waterford safe city and purple flag initiative. It was attended by Sergeant Sheehan from the divisional drugs unit who went through the signs that drugs or dealers were on the premises. The questions asked included what the most popular drugs were, how drug use on premises could be minimised and what should be done in the event of an overdose. Sergeant Sheehan was able to tell the publicans present that coins left in the toilets or on the sides of washbasins were signals to potential customers that a dealer was on the premises. Publicans heard that cocaine use had almost become like having a packet of Tayto crips with a pint. Publicans are operating a zero tolerance approach, but, unfortunately, there is no typical drug user. An increased Garda presence on the streets and high levels of engagement between the force, the community and business owners are crucial in tackling the issue. Much good work is being done by the Garda, but it is rowing against the tide as the problem continues to grow at an alarming rate.

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