Substance abuse groups address new Offaly community safety partnership
Groups dedicated to tackling drug and alcohol misuse in the region addressed the second meeting of the new Offaly Local Community Safety Partnership earlier this month.
The partnership, which met for the first time in January, is an initiative aimed at enhancing safety and wellbeing in communities across Offaly. It's comprised of local residents and representatives of stakeholder groups across a wide section of society.
Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick and Ms Molly Buckley were elected as the partnership's inaugural chairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively, in January.
Offaly County Council hosted the partnership's second meeting, on March 4, which was well-attended.
Members received detailed presentations from An Garda Síochána, the Midland Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force (MRDATF), and the HSE Community Alcohol & Drug Service (CADS).
The MRDATF and HSE CADS outlined the broad range of services and supports available throughout Offaly for individuals under and over 18 years, as well as families affected by drug and alcohol-related issues.
Speaking at the meeting, Antoinette Kinsella, Co-ordinator, MRDATF, said, "I very much welcome the opportunity to present on the work of the taskforce here today.
"As a member of this committee, I look forward to working with community safety partnership members in further supporting a coordinated response to drug and alcohol related issues across county Offaly.”
Constructive discussion followed about how the partnership can build on this work and further strengthen collaboration between agencies, service providers, and local communities.
Work will now progress on the development of a local community safety plan for Offaly, led by the Offaly Local Community Safety Partnership.
Relevant subgroups focusing on specific topics are currently being formed and will be confirmed at the partnership's next meeting, scheduled for May.
Public consultation will be central to the planning process, with details on how residents can participate and share their views to be announced in the coming weeks.
For further information on the Offaly Local Community Safety Partnership see: https://www.offaly.ie/occ_news/offaly-local-community-safety-partnership-lcsp/