‘Drug den’ near Shannon primary school

A LANE close to Wolfe Tones grounds and St Conaire’s National School is being used extensively by drug dealers, it has been claimed.

The dealers apparently take advantage of poor visibility in the area to sell their products away from the gaze of the public.

At this week’s meeting of Shannon Municipal District, Councillor Mike McKee raised the matter and called for steps to be taken to make the area less secluded.

He told the meeting that, after a meeting with representatives of the GAA club some weeks ago, he had been told about the issue, which he says arises on a lane running from St Conaire’s close to the astroturf pitches at Wolfe Tones.

“There is quite a bit of drug dealing at this pathway,” he alleged.

“This is the largest primary school in Shannon and the largest sports club and it is being used as a drug den and for drug dealers,” he claimed.

Councillor McKee said that the gardaí are aware of the situation and his motion to the meeting asked that “Clare County Council install new and more effective lighting at the path running between the GAA club and Cronan Gardens”.

The Sinn Féin councillor said that, when the lights are turned on at the astro turf, there is quite a bit of brightness. However, he said that, otherwise, it is only covered by rather dim, orange street lighting. He also said that St Conaire’s should be asked to cut back trees in the area, which would help to make it brighter.

Councillor Gerry Flynn supported the motion, saying that it is alarming to hear of such an extent of drug dealing in the area. He agreed that something needs to be done and said that if enhancing the light in the area would improve the situation, he would support it.

Councillor Flynn also said that it needs to be brought to the attention of gardaí, who are taking very strong enforcement measures in relation to drugs.

Owen Ryan