Ireland's first medically supervised injection centre is to open in Dublin city centre.
Merchants Quay Ireland will operate the centre in the basement of its Riverbank facility in Dublin 8. The charity, that supports people affected by homelessness and addiction, says it marks a “momentous shift in policy”.
The 18 month pilot will be open 7 days a week and will see those using the facility assessed by a nurse on arrival. After injecting drugs they will then be observed for any adverse reaction.
It's hoped the facility will save lives and reduce drug-related litter, including needles, on the streets.
The opening, that faced objections, comes nine years after the then drugs minister was given cabinet approval for the project.
