Rise in number dying from opiate poisoning in the city

87 people died in the last eleven years.

The Cork City Coroner has noted a rise in the number of people dying from heroin and other opiates over the last decade.

That's according to coroner Myra Cullinane who at a Cork City Joint Policy Committee meeting yesterday revealed that nearly 90 people have died from the substances since 2004.

The meeting which was held in City Hall was attended by around 100 people and sought public participation on tackling the issue of drug misuse Leeside.

Chair of the meeting incoming Lord Mayor Cllr Chris O'Leary said that alcohol misuse is a bigger issue at times in the city than heroin use. 

The HSE say that 1,600 people in Cork and Kerry seek help every year for alcohol addiction and have described it as a 'gateway drug'. 

AUDIO: Speaking to RedFM News, Cllr Chris O'Leary says they are going to address some of the issues which are leading to alcohol misuse.

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