The Athlone Drug Awareness Group has issued an open invitation to members of the public to attend a public meeting in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Thursday, May 25, at 7.30pm.
Speaking this week, chairman of the group, Cllr Frankie Keena stated that the purpose of the meeting is to give the community a voice on issues that concern them such as drug dealing and associated crime and anti-social behaviour.
“It is important to note 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.
“As our group covers Athlone and wider Midlands region, we decided to hold this meeting following requests from some members of the public about these issues in this area. All Oireachtas members in the Longford/Westmeath constituency have been invited to attend as guest speakers and to hear first hand the many concerns which their constituents have in relation to this matter.
“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.
“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 to our public information night on May 25 as we need to hear from you,” Cllr Keena concluded.
