Thomas Gould
Question:1023. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update on the proposed supervised injection facilities in Cork. [72105/25]
View answerTuesday, 16 December 2025
Questions (1023)
Written answers
The independent evaluation of the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, assessed the expansion of harm reduction as a significant accomplishment. It found that harm reduction initiatives were a central component of the health-led approach to drug use, with a focus on reducing the adverse health and social impacts associated with drug use.
One significant harm reduction initiative is the establishment of a supervised injecting facility. Last year, the Department of Health granted a licence to operate Ireland's first supervised injecting facility to Merchants Quay Ireland and the facility opened on 22 December 2024.
I am happy to report that between launch and 11th Dec 2025, the facility has been attended by 1,390 individual clients who have made a total of 14,365 visits. Crucially, there were 236 successful interventions to prevent a fatal overdose. I provided additional funding to extend the opening hours of the facility to meet presenting demand.
The HSE is overseeing an evaluation of the 18-month pilot phase of the facility. The evaluation will inform decisions on whether to continue to licence this facility and to licence the establishment of similar facilities in other areas of need, such as Cork.
I am committed to a health led response to drug use including the provision of harm reduction initiatives based on population need.