Wexford to Monitor Drug Trends in New HSE Wastewater Pilot Programme

Wexford will be one of five locations across Ireland taking part in a new HSE pilot programme testing wastewater for traces of illicit drugs.

The scheme will give health authorities a real-time picture of drug use in the county, including rising concern over new psychoactive substances and ketamine, which has been linked to serious health issues.

 Professor Eamon Keenan, national clinical lead for addiction services, says Wexford was chosen due to local reports of emerging synthetic drugs.

Testing will be ongoing over the next three years, helping authorities respond faster to spikes in usage and better protect public health in the south-east.