Serious concerns have been raised about the involvement of very young children in drug activity in Drogheda, with reports that children as young as seven are being exploited by criminal networks.
The issue has been highlighted by Paula Butterly, who said she was alerted to the situation following discussions with teachers in a number of schools across the town. Educators expressed deep concern about what they are witnessing among vulnerable pupils.
There are growing fears locally that the violence associated with previous drug feuds in Drogheda could re-emerge. Community members in several housing estates have voiced anxiety that younger individuals are now being groomed to take on roles within organised drug activity.
Deputy Butterly said:
“Following on from engagement with a number of schools in Drogheda, I have growing concerns that increasingly children as young as seven are being used as drug mules and as young as 10 to engage in drug pushing.
“Many of these children are vulnerable as they already come from homes with complex issues of which addiction is a stable feature. This leaves them vulnerable to being groomed by older members who they see as ‘heroes’.”
It is understood that some children are being used to transport drugs in their school bags in an attempt to avoid detection by Gardaí. Deputy Butterly said schools are struggling to respond, citing a lack of consistent intervention from authorities and insufficient training and resources to deal with the scale of the problem.
Teachers have also raised concerns about their own personal safety if they challenge what is happening.
Deputy Butterly has since raised the matter with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, outlining what she described as her extreme concern about developments in Drogheda.
She said:
“Inroads were made following the Drogheda Implementation Board but since its conclusion you can start to see things unravelling again.
“We need a direct specific action plan for Drogheda to ensure the good work of the community groups, local services and An Garda Siochana has not been in vain.
“A 360 approach is needed urgently to ensure that intergenerational addiction and poverty is tackled effectively.
“This affects not just the children and families involved but will affect the town at large if not dealt with quickly and effectively.”
It is believed that some teenagers are playing a role in recruiting younger children, who may view them as role models within their communities.
Garda sources in Drogheda have indicated that the situation is being closely monitored and that efforts are ongoing to prevent a return to the levels of violence previously experienced in the town.
