Statement
Landmark Step for Health-Led Approach to Addiction in Ireland
Ireland’s first medically supervised injection facility (MSIF) is set to open its doors in December, marking a significant milestone in the country’s health-led approach to drug addiction. The facility, which is supported by the HSE and Department of Health is located at Merchant Quay Ireland’s, Riverbank centre in Dublin city centre.
The MSIF will offer a clean, supervised space where individuals can inject pre-obtained drugs, under the care of trained medical professionals. This facility is designed to reduce the health risks associated with intravenous drug use, including overdose and the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. It will also serve as an important point of contact for those seeking help, by offering referrals to addiction treatment, mental health support, primary healthcare and social services.
The opening of the MSIF aligns with the Irish government’s National Drugs Strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’ which seeks to minimise harm from drug use, promote recovery, and address the social determinants of addiction. This initiative follows years of advocacy from public health experts, addiction specialists, and community organisations, as well as successful models seen in other countries such as Portugal, Luxemburg and Australia.
Welcoming the opening of the new facility, Prof Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, said:
“I welcome the opening of the Medically Supervised Injecting Facility (MSIF) at MQI’s Riverbank. This is the result of many years of hard work by a variety of stakeholders including the HSE, MQI, Department of Health, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, community groups and service user representative organisations. The benefits of MSIFs can be seen in different contexts worldwide, and considering the emergence of new, and more potent synthetic opioids on the Irish heroin market, it is more important than ever to progress such a facility to support people who inject drugs. This facility will enhance the harm reduction response for people who inject drugs, in line with ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’ our national strategy of health-led responses to drug use in Ireland. This could be the first step on the road to recovery for someone presenting to the service.”
In addition to providing a safe space for drug use, the MSIF will also play a key role in addressing the issue of drug-related litter in public spaces and reducing the pressure on emergency services by preventing overdose deaths. The facility will ensure immediate medical intervention in the case of an emergency.
Eddie Mullins, CEO at Merchants Quay Ireland continued:
“The opening of Ireland’s first medically supervised injection facility marks a bold and progressive step forward in addressing the country’s drug crisis. It signals a shift towards a more compassionate, health-led approach to addiction. By creating a non-judgmental environment, we can build trust with people who use drugs, encouraging them to engage with the broader health and support services available. This is not just about harm reduction; it’s about saving lives and opening doors to a healthier future.”
The facility is expected to operate with the full cooperation of local authorities, law enforcement, and community groups, ensuring it meets both the public health needs of the city and the concerns of residents. Extensive consultation with stakeholders has been undertaken to ensure the centre will be integrated effectively into the community.
