Open Drug Scenes and Drug-Related Public Nuisance: A Visual Rapid Assessment Research Study in Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

The research was undertaken at a time of increasing public concerns for drug- and alcohol-related public nuisance in the city center of Dublin, Ireland. Rapid Assessment Research was conducted involving qualitative interviewing with drug service users; business, transport, community, voluntary, and statutory stakeholders (n = 61); and an environmental mapping exercise. The interplay between homelessness, loitering, an influx of drug users via city metro systems, transient open drug scenes, street drinking, drug injecting, intimidation, knife crime, and prescribed medication abuse was evident. Potential strategies to address drug and alcohol related public nuisance are advised to include the relocation of treatment services, targeted harm reduction initiatives, urban regeneration, improved community rehabilitation pathways, and heightened policing intensity.

KEYWORDS:

• drug-related public nuisance
• antisocial behavior
• open drug scenes
• public place injecting

Acknowledgments

The research was funded by the Strategic Response Group, Dublin, Ireland.

The views expressed in this study are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Strategic Response Group.