Mags GarganA Co. Tipperary priest has praised the local community for coming together to take action
against the drugs problem in the town, following the death of a number of young people from
the area.
Fr Tom Corbett PP was among over 1,000 people who attended a meeting in Roscrea on
Monday to discuss what can be done to solve the “severe problem” of drugs use in the town.
Concerned residents blamed the increasing drugs culture for the loss of many young lives
following a number of suicides in the town, some of which are believed to be drug-related.
“There has been a build-up of a sense of gloom in community, with so many people
committing suicide and some linked with the use of drugs,” Fr Corbett said. “It is perceived
as a very severe problem and there is a sense in the community that something had to be
done. There is a certain level of anger at drug pushers, but also a hope that things could get
better.”
Fr Corbett said it is hoped that a second meeting will be held in the coming weeks and that an
action committee will be formed.
“This meeting was a great step and I am thankful to the organisers. There is a greater sense of
awareness of the problems in the community, but also an awareness that something can be
done if we come together and take action, and help the youth to expand their horizons,” he
said.