The 'drugs epidemic' is no longer confined to urban centres.
That's according to Fianna Fáil’s Deputy Brendan Smith who raised the issue of drug dealing in the Dail in recent days. He said that rural communities like Cavan and Monaghan must not be overlooked in the national response to drug misuse and drug-related crimes.
Speaking in the Dáil during Questions to the Minister for Justice, Deputy Smith said we are hearing daily of the prevalence of drugs in places we never thought they would be present. This crisis is not just happening in our cities, it’s in every village, every townland, every parish. The local TD asked the Minister for Justice how he intends to address the prevalence of drugs in rural areas like Cavan and Monaghan.
He also highlighted its consequences on community safety and criminality in rural areas. Deputy Smith says further enforcement against drug dealers is needed along with further resources to assist and help people with a drug addiction.
