Plans for Ireland’s first ever supervised drug injection Centre have been dealt a major setback after Dublin City Council refused planning permission.
It is understood the centre which was being developed Merchant’s Quay Ireland (MQI) in Dublin’s South inner-city, was refused planning permission due to concerns of its impact on the area.
The centre which would have catered for over a 100 users a day was refused permission after the city council expressed concerns about its lack of policing policies and its overall impact on the area and its residents.
Dublin City Council also claims that the introduction of the centre would affect the tourism industry in the area as well as hinder its regeneration.
Although planning permission can be reviewed by An Bord Pleanála, it is believed that MQI will take time to review their position before deciding whether or not to appeal the decision.