Medically Supervised Injecting Facility (MSIF)

In December 2019, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission to MQI for the reconfiguration of our Riverbank Centre to provide for a medically supervised injecting facility (MSIF). Leave to apply for a Judicial Review of the decision by An Bord Pleanála was granted by the High Court in February 2020.

This Judicial Review took place in June 2021 and in November 2021, Judge Simons overturned the planning permission decision and ordered that the matter be remitted back to An Bord Pleanála for further consideration.

MQI, while disappointed, remain committed to the opening of a MSIF as part of a health-led approach to addiction. There is a clear need for this facility as it saves lives.

MQI will engage with An Bord Pleanála in the hope that a new Grant of Planning Permission will be issued next year, which will be acceptable to all parties.

MQI CEO Paula Byrne says:

Delivery of a MSIF pilot is a key objective of the National Drug Strategy: Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, and is part of the Programme for Government. It is a vital healthcare service which will allow us to reach people who are vulnerable, marginalised, and often very sick, by offering them access to medical & nursing services as well as treatment options.  With one death every day in Ireland from a drug overdose, this facility will save lives. 

There is substantial evidence worldwide that MSIFs reduce public injecting, reduce discarded drug litter, and, most importantly, save lives.

We appreciate there are concerns, particularly among the local community, but we ask that they work with us on this. The MSIF will help save lives and get people into treatment, and it will also help to make the community a safer place for everyone.