Charity and HSE hail decision to permit drug injection centre

'The establishment of a medically-supervised injecting facility in the area of Dublin city centre will undoubtedly save lives and facilitate more people accessing a healthcare intervention,' the HSE said.

Planning permission for the country’s first ever drug injection centre marks a “new chapter” in how Ireland treats people in addiction, the head of Merchant's Quay Ireland (MQI) has said.

Paula Byrne's comments follow a decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant MQI planning permission to operate a medically supervised injecting facility (MSIF) for an 18-month trial period at its existing premises, near the Civic Offices.