Latest news with #LeonardKelly
Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Calls for action as ‘chaotic intravenous drug use' has ‘taken a grip' on Wexford town
Once again, drugs paraphernalia were discovered carelessly discarded on the streets of the county town in the past week, an all too common occurrence which has yet again sparked some serious conversations. Independent councillor Leonard Kelly was made aware of used syringes uncovered in the car park of a local cinema, an area frequented by families and young children, while there was further evidence of drug use in Coolcotts as Solpadeine packaging was thrown around. "These are just a couple of recent examples,' he said. 'If you ask groups like Wexford Tidy Towns, they are encountering this type of stuff all the time. We have to address this problem and come up with concrete solutions.' Cllr Kelly says that, anecdotally, he's heard that Wexford is home to at least 100 intravenous drug users. However, he says he 'would like to get a handle on exactly how big this problem is'. Commonly suggested solutions are needle exchanges and safe, regulated injection centres. "I think we need to look at these possibilities, yes,' Cllr Kelly said. 'I understand it's a divisive issue. We would need to look at all the sensitivities around it and it would have to be very controlled. We'd also have to look at the potential impacts of placing these centres in marginalised communities, which may exacerbate existing issues.' Regardless, Cllr Kelly feels that action needs to be taken on a problem that's 'taking a grip on our town'. "We can't have discarded syringes in family spaces where kids are running around,' he said. 'There's a health issue and a criminal issue at play here. We can't afford to ignore this issue any longer.'
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Mental health charity urges people to hit Wexford beaches for a ‘Dip @ Dusk'
Having recently taken on the role of Regional Area Lead for Grow, local independent councillor Leonard Kelly is urging people to sign up, pay their €25 registration fee and help the charity to continue the work it has been doing in the area of mental health stretching back some 55 years. "The area I manage covers the south east,' Cllr Kelly explains. 'In Co Wexford, we already have a group in Wexford town and Ramsgrange and I have ambitious plans to expand in the months ahead, with a new group already at planning stage for later this year.' At its core, Grow provides peer support groups for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. They offer a confidential and supportive environment where people can share their stories, learn coping strategies, and work towards personal growth and recovery. The organization operates on a 12-step program model, emphasizing mutual support and personal development. "While we do receive some HSE funding, it doe s not cover all costs,' Cllr Kelly explains. 'That's why fundraisers like this are important, from a financial perspective, but also to build awareness of the organization, 'DIP@DUSK, the nationwide open-water swim fundraiser, runs from Thursday June 19 to Sunday June 22, encouraging individuals and communities to embrace the outdoors, boost their mental wellbeing, and raise funds to support people experiencing mental health challenges.' With no set locations, the fundraiser is deliberately flexible and those interested in taking part can register at
