Heroin the real problem facing Galway, says Fahey

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Written by Avril Horan

Wednesday, 15 August 2007

Galway West TD Frank Fahey has said that heroin is “far more of a problem” in Galway city than cocaine. Speaking to the Galway Independent this week, Mr Fahey called on the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the gardaí to start a proper information and education regime to educate young people regarding the devastation caused by the addictive drug.

Deputy Fahey said that heroin is a growing problem in the city and is getting worse. He said there is a need to “stop the supply of heroin in the city and clear it out altogether”.

“While other drugs are a problem, heroin is much more significant, as it is a lethal drug. It is so addictive that users are driven to whatever lengths to get their supply of heroin. It destroys people’s lives and is responsible for a lot of crime and vandalism in the city,” he said.

Deputy Fahey has asked that local residents and communities pull together to stop the supply of the drug in Galway by co-operating with gardaí. He said there is a need for the HSE and the gardaí to provide proper education to prevent young people from taking up the habit. He also said the negative impact of alcohol abuse and other drug abuse is evident through the number of people presenting to psychiatric units both locally and nationally.

“Drug dealers need to know in the first instance that they are not welcome in Galway. They need to be made very aware that they are destroying people’s lives and destroying local communities. The gardaí have had good success in recent times, which can be seen by the number of people who are coming before the courts. However, local people have a role to play. They can co-operate with the gardaí and provide intelligence,” he said.

Mr Fahey’s comments come in the wake of reports that Galway city was awash with cocaine during Race Week.

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