The number of drug addicts who contacted the largest voluntary drug treatment centre in the State rose by almost 20 per cent in one year, according to the Merchants Quay Project annual report published this morning.
The report indicates that the drugs problem in the Republic is far from under control, despite Government claims to the contrary, according to the director, Mr Tony Geoghegan.
The report shows a 9 per cent increase in the number of drug-users attending the Health Promotion Unit over the year 2001 to 2002 - from 3,648 to 3,842.
There were 678 new clients seeking drug treatment over the year, while the number of total contacts increased from 20,262 in 2001 to 24,058 last year, an 18 per cent increase.
The Merchants Quay Project provides support for both the homeless and drug-users.