There is an “over-concentration” of support services for drug users in Dublin, Fianna Fáil has said.
The party launched its urban communities policy document for the general election on Sunday by promising to increase garda numbers to 20,000.
Elsewhere, it states that Fianna Fáil is committed to a health-led approach to drug use, rather than a criminal one.
However, the policy paper does not include any proposals on drug-related healthcare or addiction services and instead calls for increased sentences and a tougher garda response.
Fianna Fáil Senator Mary Fitzpatrick said the document focused on urban communities, and such proposals would instead fall under “health” and “justice”.
The policy document makes recommendations in the area of justice which would cost hundreds of millions of euros.
The programme includes a €175 million urban development fund and €236 million to expand the garda force by 5,000, up to approximately 20,000.
It also includes a dedicated transport police unit and pledges to strengthen garda powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, including dispersal orders and “public-space protection orders”.
Junior justice minister James Browne said urban communities are facing challenges of urban decay, crime, and “increasingly transient populations”.
Asked about the absence of health-led measures under the “drugs” subheading, Ms Fitzpatrick said the party has endorsed a health-led approach recommended by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on drugs.
She said the party supported safe injection centres, adding that it is hoped that one would open in the city this month.
Ms Fitzpatrick added that additional centres do not have to be in the city, and should be located to ensure greater access for services.
She said: “We have an over-concentration already of support services – a clustering, I would say.
“We need to ensure that people who have an addiction can access services and supports in their communities.”
Asked if he would support one opening in Enniscorthy in his constituency, Mr Browne said: “Wherever they’re needed, they should be.”
Fianna Fáil said further housing and investment proposals, along with specific measures for Dublin, will be announced later in the campaign.
The Social Democrats also used Sunday to launch a €200 million plan for Dublin city centre, and said between 5-10,000 households could be opened up above shop units.
Dublin Central representative Gary Gannon accused Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Simon Harris of “extreme cynicism” when the Dublin City Centre Taskforce report was released after the Budget.
He said: “We have, too often, a scenario where the Taoiseach becomes more of a commentator about the city, rather than someone who stands forward, who will deliver a plan.”
Discussing the plan, Mr Gannon said: “Dublin has not been a priority for the outgoing government. Under their watch, Dublin is decaying – and it has been in decline for many years.
“From increased anti-social behaviour, filthy streets and chronic vacancy and dereliction – Dublin needs more than empty political platitudes. It needs a plan backed up by significant resources.”
He added: “Included in the plan is ring-fenced funding of €200 million to restore and revive the city; a practical plan to make ‘above-the-shop’ living a reality; the use of a streamlined CPO process to buy vacant and derelict sites and buildings; an increased garda presence in the capital; and the creation of a Cultural Corridor from Henrietta St to St James’ Gate.
“There are other initiatives too: A higher rate of vacancy tax in strategic areas of the city, where dereliction and vacancy are creating eyesores; Dublin City Council taking back control of waste collection; a new tourist bed tax with revenue ring-fenced for amenities and to keep the city clean; a reduced 9 per cent VAT rate in hospitality for food and beverage businesses; and an increase in playing pitches and sporting amenities for children and young people.”
Elsewhere on Sunday, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald attended a rally for the preservation and regeneration of Moore Street in the city.
Ms McDonald strongly criticised Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil for failing to intervene and prevent a private developer’s plan which would demolish buildings in the historic area, which served as a key battleground in the 1916 Rising.
She said: “This election is an opportunity for people to come out now and vote for Sinn Féin to change the government and to have a government that actually appreciates and remembers our history, our tradition, how our freedom was won, but also a government that realises the real value of Irish culture.”
