Frequently Asked Questions

A MSIF is a hygienic, safe, medically supervised healthcare environment where people can inject drugs, obtained elsewhere, under the supervision of trained health professionals.

It offers a compassionate, person-centred service which reduces harms associated with injecting drug use and can help people access appropriate services.

A MSIF is a vital first step in reducing harm and can help health service staff to reach and support vulnerable and marginalised people, who often do not, cannot, or no longer engage with existing health services.

A MSIF aims to reduce drug-related overdose deaths, reduce the risks of blood-borne virus transmission, (e.g. HIV or Hepatitis C) through shared injecting equipment, reduce public health risks such as drug-related litter that could result in needle-stick injuries, and connect the most vulnerable and marginalised people who use drugs with treatment services and other health and social services.

Building work began on the MSIF in June 2024 and the MSIF will open in December.

When clients arrive into the MSIF, they check in at reception.

In the medically supervised injecting space itself, there is a nursing station, where our medical team can observe clients for any sign of overdose. You can also see some of the life saving equipment on the trolley, including oxygen, naloxone, and a defibrillator.

Each injecting booth has a mirror, chair and a stainless steel counter surface with a hole for the safe placement of injecting equipment after use.

• The MSIF will open seven days a week, Monday to Sunday.
• The hours will be 8:30 to 12:30 and 3 pm to 7 pm Monday to Friday.
• On Saturday and Sunday, it will be open from 12 noon to 7 pm.

Ireland has a significant and growing drug issue. In addition, there is an acute housing crisis.

Both challenges are at their most severe in Dublin. The problem of injecting drug use and homelessness is most acute in the inner-city Dublin region.

One of the consequences of this interplay between drugs and homelessness is that public injection and drug litter have become an increasingly common occurrence.

Alongside this, Ireland continues to have one of the highest rates of drug-related deaths in Europe. Drug-related deaths continue to be a problem in Ireland.

On 16 May 2017, the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Act 2017 was signed by the President, which allows for the licensing of a supervised injecting facility in Ireland.

The MSIF aims to reduce drug-related deaths, reduce the risk of blood-borne viral transmission, and connect some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in society with healthcare services.

In addition, research from MSIFs, and similar services, internationally shows a decrease in public injecting and drug-related litter associated with the establishment of such facilities.

At Merchants Quay Ireland, we already provide a wide range of primary health care and addiction support services, and our best method of effective intervention is to have these services all in one place, alongside the Medically Supervised Injecting Facility.

Locating the facility in an area where public injecting is already taking place will maximise uptake by the target population.

The Community Engagement team, which is already in place, is now being expanded and will continue to work closely with the local community, its representatives, and local businesses.

Following a procurement process, Merchants Quay Project CLG was identified as the preferred bidder to operate the MSIF.

Government funding has been granted for the duration of the pilot project, to support annual running costs, as well as a contribution towards the refurbishment.

A specific amount of governmental funding has been granted for the duration of the pilot project, to support annual running costs, as well as a contribution towards the refurbishment through once-off capital funding.

Anyone 18 years or older can access the service, free of charge.

People who use the MSIF can use the other MQI services including our drop-in services such as showers, toilets, food service, engage with our Mental Health team etc. Our Community Engagement Team will work proactively with clients and the local community to respond to any concerns and provide information.

Merchants Quay Ireland will work to ensure that there are open communications with businesses and residents in the area. In line with our commitment as part of securing the MSIF licence, we will be establishing a Community Consultation Committee, which will provide local businesses and residents with the opportunity to give feedback on the impact of our services. We are also expanding our Community Engagement Team and they can be reached on 086 1741404. Our Communications team can also be contacted via communications@mqi.ie