FERNS COMMUNITY Centre was packed with almost 300 people on Friday evening as a local community met to wage its war on drugs.
The newly-formed Ferns Drug Abuse Awareness group held the public meeting, which was attended by ‘Roscrea Stand Up’, local Gardai, politicians, members of the FDYS, HSE and Wexford’s Cornmarket Project.
The group was established a few weeks ago by chairperson Kevin Breen, as he says Ferns and the surrounding area has been hugely affected by the scourge of narcotics in recent times and decided that enough is enough and action must be taken.
“It’s an epidemic,” he told The Echo. “It’s easier to get drugs than a bag of chips nowadays. Something has to be done about it.”
At the meeting, Detective Sergeant Murt Whelan had some samples to help people recognise different drugs, John Paul O’Neil of the FDYS did a power point presentation on the signs and symptons of abuse, Annmarie Walsh of the HSE explained the services that are available for users, while Derek Russell from ‘Rosscrea Stand Up’ spoke on how harmful the issue became in his town in Co. Tipperary.
Declan Mcpartlin, chairperson of the Cornmarket Project, spoke of the need for more education and services for the youth, a point that was backed up by Mick Wallace TD, who said young people must be educated both at home and at school of the dangers of drugs.
Cllr. Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin added: “We need a multi-pronged approach involving a broad range of interests, focusing on prevention, awareness and education from an early age, supply reduction, rehabilitation and family support. We need to publicise the existing supports in Co.Wexford in all centres where young people congregate.
“Communities need to be proactive in reporting dealing to the Gardaí, and if uncomfortable about this, then to their local politician.When Wexford County Councils Joint Policing Forum meets shortly,the drugs issue – to which mist crime is related – must be pushed to the top of the agenda.”
Cllr. Mythen continued that “neither is our town of Enniscorthy immune to this destructive scourge of drugs that destroys families, friends and communities alike.”
