A "MOBILE clinic" for drug addicts in Dublin has been introduced by the Eastern Health Board.
The converted van, already being referred to in some parts of Dublin as the "methadone bus", will make scheduled stops in the city from next week.
It will distribute the substitute drug to addicts who are unable to secure places at treatment clinics. Initially there will be two stops each morning.
On the city's southside, the van will operate at the EHB's headquarters, Dr Steevens's Hospital, opposite Heuston Station.
The EHB has asked that the northside location not be revealed. It is at a flats complex in the inner city in the Amiens Street area.
The EHB's programme manager, Mr Pat McLoughlin, said that by the end of the year another two locations would be introduced, ones on each side of the city.
The van, which has cost £35,000 to buy and fit out, was initially discussed a year ago and was expected to be introduced last month. Mr McLoughlin said the delay had been to ensure that the communities at the halting points agreed to its presence.
The van will be staffed by a nurse, an "outreach" worker and three assistants. For security it has a mobile telephone and a radio link to base.
The inside of the van has a counter where addicts will be required to consume their methadone, as well as a small room for counselling.
According to the EHB, between 20 and 30 addicts will be handled at each stop, which will last from 30 minutes to an hour.
The van will only be used to deal with addicts who have already been in contact with other EHB drug services, according to the board. They must be over 18 years old and have been injecting opiates for at least a year.