€4m boost for anti-drugs projects

Projects steering disadvantaged children away from drugs are to be given an extra €4m, it was announced today.

The Government has earmarked the public cash for initiatives in Dublin, Bray, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford city and Carlow town.

Minister for Drugs Strategy Pat Carey said they will target, through sport and recreational schemes, children who are most at risk of falling into substance abuse.

“I am delighted to be in a position to allocate such a significant sum of money towards the building, upgrading and refurbishment of youth facilities that will provide an outlet for the young people most at risk in our communities,” he said.

Mr Carey, junior minister in charge of the National Drugs Strategy, insisted that prevention through such initiatives was key to tackling drug misuse in Ireland.

“I see the provision of more quality facilities for young people as pivotal in this regard,” he added.

Over the past 10 years, the Government has given €147m overall to the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund, as part of the National Drugs Strategy.