Warning over syringes found in Barna Woods

Drug addicts have been using one of the city’s most picturesque locations to ‘shoot up’.

Walkers in the sprawling Barna Woods were horrified to discover used syringes in the boundary walls of the woods.

One concerned local even placed a warning notice at the entrance barrier on the Barna Road.

“Used syringes found this morning on boundary walls, be mindful,” the sign read.

A spokesperson for Galway City Council said the local authority is aware of the issue, and it is a problem across the city and not confined to one particular area.

“Our staff go through these areas on a regular basis as part of regular maintenance and cleaning.

“This is an issue that has developed in the past couple of years across the city, and is no more prevalent in one area than the next.

He said that anybody who comes across used syringes in public areas should contact the City Council on 091 536400.

Other scenic areas in the city – including alongside the banks of the River Corrib – are regularly used by intravenous drug users, with paraphernalia such as spoons, tin foil and syringes strewn around the beauty spot.

The Garda Divisional Drugs Unit estimates that there around 200 heroin addicts in the city, with up to 800 more people ‘dabbling’ in heroin usage.