A homeless and addiction charity has confirmed it is going to appeal a decision to block it opening the country's first supervised injection centre.
Dublin City Council told Merchants Quay Ireland it had no choice but to refuse it permission, after complaints from local schools, businesses and tourist attractions.
Critics of the plan are concerned about anti-social behaviour, and the effect that could have on local residents and visitors.
However, Tom Sheppard from the charity says the injection rooms would help keep both the public and drug users safer.
"No one wants to see someone who is publicly injecting or see drug-related litter on the streets.
What we are aiming to do with the supervised injection facility is to bring that behaviour indoors", he explained.
Merchants Quay Ireland says those using the injection rooms would also be encouraged to take up an offer of treatment.
The charity will now appeal Dublin City Council's decision to An Bord Pleanala.
The Health Minister, Simon Harris, says he is determined to open a supervised injection centre.
