Cllr Charlie O’Connor has urged Government to work closely with South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to repair the damage caused to the premises used by the St Aengus
Community Drug Treatment Project. The St Aengus Centre in Tymon North was very sadly destroyed by fire on recently. It has since emerged that criminals ransacked the premises following the blaze and stole equipment.
O’Connor said “Those involved with the St Aengus community based drug treatment, rehabilitation and education project have been providing tremendous support to those struggling with drug misuse or dependency in the greater Tallaght area.
“Thankfully there was no one killed or injured as a result of this fire but the loss of this centre is still devastating for our community. I very much commend those with Dublin Fire Brigade who ensured the safety of everyone involved and the general public close by. “I joined my colleague on the Regional Health Forum, Councillor Mick Duff who manages the project, in visiting the site to see the horrendous damage. Those I met, which included local residents and the families of those that availed of services at the centre were visibly upset.
“Relocating services to the local community centre is not a viable long-term solution and it’s important that funding is made available for remedial works to be carried out and to get the centre back up and running. “As a member of the executive of the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce I wish to acknowledge their support – I know they will provide assistance to those working with the St Aengus project. Government need to now closely co-ordinate efforts to repair the premises with SDCC and HSE. He concluded, “Those responsible for the crimes carried out after Dublin Fire Brigade had left the scene must be identified and dealt with appropriately.”
Pic Credit: Cllr Mick Duff
