'More pure and potent' drugs expected at festivals this year

The HSE Social Inclusion Unit will use research being conducted this year at festivals to support its case for a budget increase from the Department of Health.

Health officials are expecting to see “more potent” drugs circulating at this year’s festivals with the potential to cause greater harm to users.

It comes as the HSE launches the third year of its Safer Nightlife programme at festivals, which started the country’s first official drug checking service in 2022.