Chief Supt agrees drugs in Mayo schools is an issue

Concerns have been raised about secondary schools becoming the ‘first port of call’ for young teenagers coming into contact with illegal drugs.

Chief Superintendent Raymond McMahon acknowledged the issue needs to be addressed when he was asked about it by Ballinrobe-based representatives Councillor Damien Ryan and Councillor Michael Burke at last Friday’s Joint Policing Committee meeting.

Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Ryan said they had made drugs the number one priority when the Joint Policing Committee was established and he believes more focus is needed on secondary schools.

“Certainly, this JPC and An Garda Síochána have reacted to what the absolute priority was and we have increased the (detection) numbers. I think the concentration needs to be on the post-primary schools,” he said. 

“I won’t say it publicly, but some stuff has been said to me and it is going down as far as second-year what is going on and I think that is right across the district and jurisdiction.” 

Cllr Ryan said he believes Gardaí should speak to the classes and the staff and that there is a need to react to what is happening.

Cllr Michael Burke of Fine Gael said it is a very difficult situation and that support and respect for Gardaí is needed after a turbulent past few weeks.

“We do need to get into the secondary schools, there are major problems out there and it seems to be a growing problem,” he said. “I appreciate the Gardaí are doing their level best and there is probably no month that goes by where we don’t hear of two or three raids in my own area, but the problem is you take out the small guy and there is somebody else above him or somebody else below him.” 

Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon said they will continue to monitor the situation in Ballinrobe and apply the necessary resources.

“I agree with what is being said in relation to education and in relation to secondary schools and drugs,” he said. “Drugs are getting into schools and it’s becoming a first port of call where people first experience it and yes, I’d agree it needs addressing.” 

Chief Supt McMahon said they have a schools programmes course that they work through and present to schools in consultation with the Department of Education, but he would be relaying the concerns raised.

Independent Cllr Christy Hyland also insisted drug-related intimidation and violence inflicted by drug dealers is bringing terrible stress to families.