Kildare Senator Raises Concerns Of "Serious Gaps" In Local Addiction Services

He has called on the Government and HSE to solve the issues

Independent Kildare Senator Aubrey McCarthy has called for "serious gaps" in addiction services across the county to be addressed.

He has called on the Government and the HSE to solve the issues, warning that vulnerable people seeking recovery are facing unnecessary barriers to treatment and support.

Raising the issue in Seanad Éireann, Senator McCarthy highlighted the ongoing difficulties faced by a frontline addiction service operated by the Peter McVerry Trust in Newbridge.

Despite "extensive efforts" over the past year to secure suitable accommodation, the service remains located in an upstairs unit in an industrial estate between Naas and Newbridge.

"The current location is completely unsuitable for a service that is meant to be accessible to people in recovery," Senator McCarthy said.

"It is difficult to access, particularly for people with mobility issues, and it is far from an ideal drop-in facility. The reality is that Newbridge urgently needs this service to have a proper home in the heart of the community."

The Senator also raised concerns regarding reports that pharmacies in Kildare Town are refusing to dispense methadone to patients who require it as part of their treatment and recovery programme.

"It is deeply concerning that people who are trying to rebuild their lives are being met with barriers at every turn," Senator McCarthy said. "Recovery is possible, but only when the necessary supports are available. Access to prescribed medication should not depend on where a person lives."

Senator McCarthy, who has worked in the addiction and homelessness sectors for more than 20 years, said the situation reflects the stigma that still exists around addiction.

"During Recovery Month, we rightly celebrate the progress that people can make with the right support. However, those words ring hollow if individuals cannot access basic services in their own communities. We need practical solutions, not more obstacles."

He called on the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy to come before the Seanad to outline what action can be taken, including identifying a suitable State-owned building to house the Newbridge service and exploring options to improve methadone access in Kildare Town.