COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, June 12, 2017

QUESTION NO.10

QUESTION: Councillor E. Murphy

Can the Chief Executive please detail what provisions are in place throughout South Dublin County for safe disposal of syringes. What training and information is provided to community groups, schools and recreational facilities throughout the County?

REPLY:

Staff in Public Realm have been trained in needle stick Awareness training, this is also covered in the Public Realm Risk assessments RA 0001/2/3 which deals with:

Contact with Needle Sticks

Needle Stick Injuries

Disposing of Needle Sticks

Administrative staff are advised that when a report comes in which specifies that there are syringes or drug paraphernalia present in a public park, open space or council facility, that these calls are logged on the Customer Care System (for record) and referred directly to Public Realm. 

The relevant Superintendent arranges a crew to attend immediately on site to remove the reported items.

If syringes or drug paraphernalia are discovered by our Litter Wardens during patrol or bag searches they must contact the relevant Superintendent immediately and request the removal of same.  The Litter Warden remains on site until someone from Public Realm attends to remove the material. 

Staff have been advised previously that if they receive a needle stick injury they should attend A&E immediately. 

The Council does not currently provide needle stick awareness training to Community Groups, we will examine how best needle stick awareness and information can be disseminated to community groups.