This report offers a range of evidence informed solutions to address the issues we are facing. It recommends an urgent increase in funding of €1 million per annum by Government across a range of areas. We need additional resources to facilitate existing services to enhance their programmes to deal with the crack cocaine crisis, to allow for increased investment in the front-line community-based services and alcohol support programmes. This is required to meet demand and ease the burden on staff and to develop strategic models of service delivery that are dynamic and flexible. The report also recommends that service users should have increased availability and access to residential treatment, which involves funding for additional residential beds for people living in the TDATF area impacted by crack cocaine. The report also recommends that TDATF should undertake a review to establish the future level of demand for its services in areas currently outside it’s catchment and its impact on budgets and future planning. It also recommends an examination of an area-based approach in response to the impact of substance misuse in Tallaght led by South Dublin County Partnership and measures to build a greater sense of community. In relation to drug related intimidation, the report recommends we remain closely connected to the implementation of a recently devised data driven national intervention model. Finally, the report recommends that we engage with An Garda Siochana and work collaboratively to ensure that additional community policing resources are secured for Tallaght and Whitechurch.

[See also, thejournal.ie news article: Tallaght services seeing crisis in community over crack cocaine, TDs to be told]