The awarding of the contract follows a HSE procurement process begun last August and is subject to normal planning permission approval.
“This pilot facility seeks to bring vulnerable people into a safe and clean supervised setting while also helping to reduce drug litter and open injecting in our communities,” said Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne.
“The establishment of a pilot supervised injecting facility is a key action in Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, our health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. It is also in line with the Programme for a Partnership Government.
“This is a very welcome development and critical to the success of this pilot initiative will be the engagement with all stakeholders, including the local community.”
According to the HSE the Merchants Quay Project will be required to employ a community liaison worker to engage local businesses, communities and residents “in a meaningful manner”.
“Specific structures will be put in place to ensure comprehensive operational, clinical and supervisory governance arrangements. These will include a monitoring committee comprising key stakeholders to oversee the facility chaired by Dr Eamon Keenan, National Clinical Lead, HSE Addiction Services on behalf of the HSE.”
A clinical governance committee will be established to “ensure the facility is providing appropriate clinical intervention to attendees and that these interventions are in line with international best practice”.
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