Number of overdoses in Dublin hits 34 since Wednesday

Professor Eamon Keenan said that there have been no confirmed fatalities linked to the cluster of overdoses, which he attributed to the provision of Naloxone to services and service users.

There have been a further 10 overdoses in Dublin since Thursday evening, bringing to 34 the number of such incidents since Wednesday.

The latest figures come after the HSE issued a warning to heroin users on Thursday afternoon as it emerged that emergency services responded to 24 overdoses in the city centre between 5pm on Wednesday and 5pm on Thursday.

HSE National Clinical Lead in Addiction Services Professor Eamon Keenan, said: “Between 5pm last night and 9am this morning, there were 10 overdoses.” 

He said that there have been no confirmed fatalities linked to the cluster of overdoses, which he attributed to the provision of Naloxone to services and service users.

Some 3,849 units of Naloxone have been provided across the country this year, he said, while 1,030 people have been trained in its use. They include homeless and addiction service users, support staff, family members and Irish Prison Service staff.

He said that peer-to-peer overdose prevention programmes are also being carried out across the country to help prevent overdose fatalities.

Prof Keenan said the cluster is confined to Dublin city centre.

He said there is no evidence at present to suggest that a synthetic opioid such as fentanyl is responsible for the overdoses, adding that a sample test from one of the incidents has returned a positive for heroin only.

The HSE is now encouraging drug users to be aware, and be extra vigilant at this time.

They have also urged people to not use alone. They recommend making a rescue plan and have said you should let someone know you are using, and where.

The HSE said people should test the dose, start low, and go very slow as there is an increased risk of overdose at this time.

They also recommend not using heroin with other drugs such methadone, benzodiazepines or alcohol.

If signs of overdose occur "don't be afraid to get medical help if someone is unwell."

For information, support and harm reduction go to drugs.ie or contact the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 or email [e-mail] Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm.