Lighting of 17th commemorative Christmas Tree in Dublin today

City Clinic Counsellor to speak at annual lighting of Christmas tree in memory of all those who have died from drug related causes.

Lighting of the seventeenth commemorative Christmas Tree will take place on Thursday 5th of December at 4.30pm at the junction of Buckingham Street and Killarney Street, Dublin 1.

This junction was colonised by drug dealers and the tree was erected by Dublin City council at the request of ICON  (Inner City Organisations Network) as a message of defiance, hope and  in commemoration of all those who died from drug addiction.  The Christmas Tree is erected annually in memory of all those who have died from drug related causes.  It is a symbol of hope for the community and particularly for our young people affected by drug abuse.

The event is a reminder of the extent of the suffering that people from the North East Inner City have experienced and that this community will continue to support those affected by addiction and to help families and correct the neglect of the area.

Jo-Anne Sexton, Counsellor and Chairperson of the Clinical Team in the City Clinic will give the speech. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the City Clinic.

Jo-Anne Sexton said ‘A tree has roots, the tree came to be a symbol of importance and this ceremony was developed from a time of great pain and despair.  This community was devastated by the drugs epidemic and through the sheer determination and community response sought appropriate services and treatment to help those in need.  These services are here and will continue to change to meet the needs of those accessing them.’

Mel MacGiobúin said 'This event marks the loss and hurt we have experienced in our families and communities and again reminds us that when we stand together with purpose we can find ways beyond the destruction of drugs and violence.'