Anti-heroin protest held in Newbridge

THE Frank Driver Cumann/North Kildare of Republican Sinn Féin held an anti-heroin protest in Rosconnell estate in Newbridge, Co Kildare on Saturday, February 7.

According to the Chairperson of the Frank Driver Cumann, Éamonn Mahoney, the purpose of the protest is to highlight the danger posed by heroin and other drugs to young people in the estate and in society in general.

“The economic collapse facing the 26-Counties brings with it increased unemployment and rising levels of poverty and marginalisation. One of the consequences will be that more young people may through a feeling of hopelessness turn to drugs such as heroin. We feel it is essential that attention is focused on the crisis facing communities throughout Kildare and nationally. The response to drugs has to be across the board. Communities cannot be left on their own to tackle this problem, a multi agency approach with proper resources and funding is the only way to seriously begin to tackle the culture of drugs for the users, their families and the wider community.” Éamonn Mahoney said.

Reports from local media (click on the titles):
Kildare Nationalist: Garda resources ‘wasted’ at anti drugs protest in Newbridge (February 12, 2009)
Leinster Leader: Large garda presence at Rosconnell anti-drugs rally (February 12, 2009)