Public meeting on drug abuse and crime this week

The Athlone Drug Awareness group is to hold a public meeting later this week in a bid to give the community "a voice" on issues of concern from drug dealing to anti-social behaviour and associated crime.

Organisers have issued to an open invitation to the public to come along to the meeting in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Thursday, May 25 at 7.30pm.

All Oireachtas members in the Longford/Westmeath constituency have also been invited to attend as guest speakers and to hear their constituents’ concerns.

Chairperson of Athlone Drug Awareness Group Cllr Frankie Keena said that it is important to point out that Athlone is not unique when it comes to substance misuse, drug dealing, intimidation, associated crime and anti-social behaviour.

"This problem exists in every city and town in the country and anybody who says otherwise is not living in the real world" he stated.

"As our group covers Athlone and wider areas, we decided to hold this meeting following requests from some members of the public about these issues in this area.

"There is also an opportunity for groups working in the area of substance misuse to provide information stands in order to inform the members of the public about their specific service and available supports," he added.

"The Athlone Drug Awareness Group is hosting this meeting to offer the community a voice on these issues and to offer support, so please come on May 25 as we need to hear from you," Cllr Keena concluded.