Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force launch Strategic Plan 2015 – 2017

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mary Shields will launch the Cork Local Drug & Alcohol Task Force’s (CLDATF) strategic plan for 2015-2017 on Thursday June 4th from 11.00am to 1.00pm in the Cork County Hall. The strategic plan highlights the inclusion of alcohol to the task force brief as well as outlining how the task force will respond to drug and alcohol issues in Cork city over the next two years. The CLDATF provides support services to communities in Cork city and its environs as well as assessing the extent and nature of substance misuse problems. Action plans are developed and implemented in response to the problems identified.

Joe Kirby, Coordinator of the CLDATF said “Our new strategy is about creating and maintaining an up-to-date overview on the nature and extent of drug and alcohol misuse and the support services available in Cork. The goals of the new strategy include developing an alcohol strategy for Cork City, liaising with schools regarding drug and alcohol policy development, addressing the misuse of benzodiazepines and other prescribed medications as well as addressing issues for people with a dual diagnosis (Combined mental health and addiction issues). “We will focus on strengthening and supporting a community-based response to drug and alcohol misuse and we will be seeking to support the work of all relevant statutory, community and voluntary service providers. The new strategy is geared towards developing partnerships with key stakeholders from relevant sectors who can support service users with substance misuse issues. The CLDATF also strives to ensure appropriate representation by the statutory, voluntary and community sectors.”

The strategy will also take account of and contribute to other initiatives aimed at improving social inclusion and tackling disadvantage such as the Joint Policing Committee, Garda substance misuse initiatives, children services committees, mental health sharing network and other fora in the city.

The CLDATF will also launch the drug litter information leaflets for Cork city. “Drug litter continues to be an issue in Cork as in many other cities. Through our new campaign we want to raise the awareness of drug litter in communities and we are targeting primary and secondary schools, the business community and the general public to ensure that that these groups are aware of the proper procedures to follow and who to contact in the event of coming across drug litter.” said David Lane, Acting Operations Manager HSE Drug and Alcohol services south.