Fear for parishioners as junkies use Dundalk church to shoot up in

A local parish priest has expressed his fear for parishioners after it was revealed that addicts are using church toilets to shoot up and get their fix.

Fr Michael Cusack said he is fearful junkies will either attack vulnerable parishioners or cause damage to St Joseph’s Redemptorist Church on the St Alphonsus Road.

He is now asking the public for advice on how to tackle the problem without having to close the doors of the church.

He told the Irish Daily Mirror: “There are several churches in Dundalk but we’re the only one with a toilet so I think that’s why we are being targeted.

“Every day we are finding bottles, cans and syringes in the bins. On any day there can be three or four individuals outside of the church and coming in and out to use the facilities.

“I am appealing for guidance from the community. I don’t want to lock the doors or the toilet because there are people who need it and want to come here to worship.”

Fr Cusack said he is worried that the situation could turn more sinister if action is not taken. He explained: “We are continually in contact with gardai and trying to work with them to help these people who have very difficult lives.

“Nobody has been attacked yet but that is what I am anticipating could happen.

“People going in and out of the church, particularly more vulnerable and older people, have been verbally threatened and harassed.

“It does not happen during the busy hours at the weekend but during the day on weekdays, when it is quieter. It does make people a bit wary.”

Fr Cusack added he is also anxious that the church itself could be damaged.

He said: “We have CCTV throughout the building but we are still finding large amounts of bottles and cans, cigarette butts and syringes.

“The bathrooms smell of smoke and there is a very real risk of fire.”

Speaking on LMFM yesterday, he warned giving people on the street money could prolong their addiction.

The priest appealed for them to donate through organisations such as Simon and the Peter McVerry Trust instead.

He added: “I think sometimes our giving is misguided towards those who are begging on the streets and on the steps of the church, particularly to those who are addicted.

“Rather than helping them, we are enabling them to get further and further into their addiction.

“We have a policy here not to give cash out to those who come asking for it because you would start immediately a flow. One communicates with another and suddenly you would have a row of people expecting there’s a cash cow.”

A World of Cribs coming to Dundalk this Sunday

St Joseph’s Redemptorist Monastery in Dundalk will be hosting ‘A World of Cribs’ over the festive period.

The church will host a unique display of over 450 nativities from around the world from this Sunday December 21st right through until the following week December 28^th, with the exception of Christmas Day.

The display is open daily from 2pm to 5pm and admission is free.

Donations are in aid of Dundalk Simon Community while groups can be accommodated via appointment.

Burrito shop to donate a day’s takings to Dundalk Simon Community as part of RAKnomination craze

Following on from the recent Neknominate drinking game craze, many people have been trying to turn the game around by moving away from the alcohol version.

As a result, a new game has emerged called Raknomination (Random Acts of Kindness).

Indeed, one RAKnomination Facebook page set up by Dundalk man Robbie Mathews in Australia has so far attracted over 18,000 followers.

With all that in mind, local Mexican restaurant California Burrito is set to get in on the act by donating all their takings on Saturday February 15^th to the Dundalk Simon Community.

Commenting on the matter on their Facebook page, the Park Street burrito store said: “The weather is really doing a number on all people all over the country, but especially on the homeless. So as a small gesture, and we know it’s only small, we are giving the Simon Community in Dundalk the complete day’s takings for Saturday 15th February.

“Remember: Its the little things we do that make a difference.”

So why not support the Simon Community on the day by having a tasty burrito and help contribute to a worthwhile cause.

This week’s Argus

In this week’s Argus… Red faces at Aiken Barracks as seized fuel truck stolen in daring raid, cutbacks force Simon Community to close Gatehouse night shelter, Harp workers vote on Labour Court recommendations, and a special report on foster care, as well as full coverage of Louth’s victory over Laois in the Leinster Championship. All that and more in this week’s Argus, on sale now.