merrion street

Catherine Byrne, TD, Minister of State for Communities and the National Drugs Strategy, today presented the Annual Achievement Award Certificates to RASP (Laneview Learning Centre) participants at Parnell GAA club, Coolock Village.

RASP is a dynamic project with a fresh approach to addiction and it provides many services to the local communities. Its services take a psychosocial and holistic approach to addiction, with an emphasis on creativity and self-efficacy.

Speaking at the presentation, Minister Byrne said, ‘I would like to acknowledge the important role that RASP plays in the Coolock and Darndale communities by creating a safe and therapeutic learning environment for our young people with drug problems. These services nurture and develop their confidence and self-belief through a range of activities and supports.'

Minister Byrne added, ‘RASP puts the person with a drug problem at the centre of its activities and makes a very valuable contribution to empowering drug users to engage fully in rehabilitation and social reintegration.’

‘The New Drug Strategy will build on this good work underway in communities by creating the necessary conditions for people to move on from illicit drug use and begin a drug-free life.’

Further Information

RASP provides a CE funded Methadone Stabilisation Programme, a cannabis and poly-drug use programme for 18-24 year olds, an aftercare programme, a new Pilot Progression Routes Service Programme, one-to-one key working, counselling, advocacy, addiction information, family support, reduce the use support, and a Pre-treatment Stabilisation Programme.

RASP was conceived in 1998 as a community initiative in response to drug addiction.