Appeal not to cut drugs initiative funding as community plan launched

As more than 100 people gathered last night to light a Christmas tree for those who have died from drug-related causes, an appeal was made not to cut funding for drug rehabilitation and prevention services at a time of increasing drug-related violence.

The recent upsurge in drug-trade violence was remarked on by community member Emily Reaper. She said that the pain of drug addiction was difficult enough for families without these deaths. She also recalled victims of drug violence such as Anthony Campbell, Donna Cleary and Shane Geoghegan. Such murders were "beyond all sense of decency", she said.

Locals lit candles as the Garda band played carols at the event on Blessington Street which was also attended by Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald and lord mayor of Dublin Eibhlin Byrne.

Dubliners needed to become active members of their local communities for the city to thrive, Ms Byrne said earlier.

Speaking at the launch of Dublin City Council's Community and Neighbourhood Development strategy at the Mansion House, Ms Byrne said the events linked to the fatal shooting of Aidan O'Kane (50) in East Wall last weekend was a microcosm of what was happening in other areas across the capital. The father of one, who was shot as he chased teenagers near his home on Sunday, is believed to have become embroiled in a dispute with youths in the neighbourhood prior to his death.

"There are lots of problems in areas of the city and we need to develop the kind of community in which people are willing to play their part because they can't always rely on the State to fill in the gap," said Ms Byrne.

Dublin City Council's new strategy is aimed at re-energising local communities through neighbourhood forums, community gardens and street parties. Ms Byrne said that while the council could offer the kind of structures to help local areas thrive, it couldn't create a sense of community, because that could only come from each individual contributing and feeling a part of it.

Source: Charlie Taylor & Genevieve Carbery, The Irish Times, 12/12/2008