New community initiative launched in Dublin 8 to tackle alcohol harm
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The canal communities of Bluebell, Dolphin's Barn, Inchicore and the wider Dublin 8 area have launched a major initiative aimed at reducing the harm caused by alcohol.
The project, called Building SAFER Communities, focuses on strengthening the prevention of drug and alcohol use, and associated harms, among children and young people.
Speakers at the launch included Dr Aisling Sheehan of the HSE, Superintendent Dave Butler of An Garda Síochána, Anne Doyle of the Health Research Board, Norah Byrne of the Canal Communities Regional Addiction Service, and Orla Fagan of Irish Community Action on Alcohol.
Music on the day was provided by the Recovery Choir and the Dolphin House Choir.
'I was delighted to attend the launch of Building SAFER Communities,' said local councillor Daithí Doolan.
'This is a major initiative supported by the Canals Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force, the HSE, Gardaí, and Irish Community Action on Alcohol.
'It's a genuine community-based response to the harm caused by alcohol, particularly to our young people.'
Building SAFER Communities is based on the World Health Organisation's SAFER package, a set of high-impact policy measures designed to reduce and prevent alcohol-related harm.
'Over the next three years, this project will be rolled out across 12 communities in Ireland, supported by seven local and regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces,' Cllr Doolan said.
The initiative is informed by local research, which showed that one in five respondents reported experiencing family or relationship difficulties due to alcohol, while just over one in ten had faced financial issues as a result of someone else's drinking.
'It is very clear that alcohol is having dangerous effects on individuals, families, and the wider community,' said Cllr Doolan.
'The response must also be community-based and focused on improving quality of life for people and their families.'
He described the launch event as 'a very positive occasion, promoting healthy alternatives and celebrating recovery'.
'We had the Recovery Choir, the Dolphin House Choir, and leading experts including Dr Aisling Sheehan from the HSE and Anne Doyle from the Health Research Board outlining the level of harm caused by alcohol and, crucially, what can be done to reduce it,' he added.
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