Minister visits addiction support services in Kildare

Frank Feighan, the Minister for State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy visited Naas and Kill.

He met Naas man Aubrey McCarthy, chair of the Sout h Western Drugs and  Alcohol Taskforce, at the Hope Cottage facility in Kill. This is a  support service for the family members of those suffering from addiction was launched at the old garda station in Kill about four years ago. It provides help and support for the parents, siblings, partners and husbands and wives of drink and abusers.

This is the base for a support service offering support to family members affected by loved ones' drug or alcohol misuse living in the Kildare/west Wicklow area.

It provides one-to-one help in person and has a  family support group network. The minister met coordinator Lisa Baggott, development worker, Stephen Joyce and the family support coordinator Maria Joyce.  

Mr Feighan also visited  Jigginstown Manor, where he met CEO Phil Thompson from Newbridge; chief operating officer Gary O'Heaire, centre manager; Jay Bobinac; Naas Mayor Evie Sammon and Wicklow councillor  Avril Cronin.  

Jigginstown Manor is a transitional housing complex located on the outskirts of Naas, where Tiglin delivers the service to facilitate the development of homeless young adults who reside there. 

Mr. McCarthy played a central role in establishing Tiglin’s rehabilitation services and transitional housing and Mr Feighan met some of the residents. 

Minister Feighan said that it is his role in the Oireachtas to support legislation that allows organisations such as Tiglin to carry out such necessary services on the ground. "This is an example of a service that changes lives."

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