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12/02/2010
Head Shop Fire In Dublin City Centre
A fire has broken out at a shop on Capel Street in Dublin city centre this morning.
The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result.
Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene.
A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
AA Roadwatch said the road will stay closed for most of the morning. However, Luas services are not affected. Visibility on the north quays is poor as a result of the fire.
Head Shops have been under intense pressure from the main political parties of late, who have been calling for their closure.
The shops stock substitutes for illegal drugs and stimulants.
Last week Fine Gael Health Spokesman, Dr James Reilly and National Drugs Strategy Spokesperson Catherine Byrne welcomed a Government promise to introduce legislation to deal with Head Shops by June.
Deputy Byrne said: "Minister Harney’s pledge this afternoon in the Seanad to bring forward legislation to deal with Head Shops by June is welcomed. Fine Gael TDs and Senators have been calling for such legislation to be implemented as a matter of urgency. I just hope there will be no delay."
Deputy Reilly said: "The recent bane of Head Shops has already done untold physiological and psychiatric damage to our young adults. The products sold in Head Shops mimic the effects of illegal substances, however, young people feel it is okay to take them because they are legal. Teenagers, as a result of their 'head shop high' have reported suffering from panic attacks, paranoia, delirium and psychosis. The need for the State to protect our youth with legislation is urgent."
(DW/GK)
The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result.
Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene.
A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
AA Roadwatch said the road will stay closed for most of the morning. However, Luas services are not affected. Visibility on the north quays is poor as a result of the fire.
Head Shops have been under intense pressure from the main political parties of late, who have been calling for their closure.
The shops stock substitutes for illegal drugs and stimulants.
Last week Fine Gael Health Spokesman, Dr James Reilly and National Drugs Strategy Spokesperson Catherine Byrne welcomed a Government promise to introduce legislation to deal with Head Shops by June.
Deputy Byrne said: "Minister Harney’s pledge this afternoon in the Seanad to bring forward legislation to deal with Head Shops by June is welcomed. Fine Gael TDs and Senators have been calling for such legislation to be implemented as a matter of urgency. I just hope there will be no delay."
Deputy Reilly said: "The recent bane of Head Shops has already done untold physiological and psychiatric damage to our young adults. The products sold in Head Shops mimic the effects of illegal substances, however, young people feel it is okay to take them because they are legal. Teenagers, as a result of their 'head shop high' have reported suffering from panic attacks, paranoia, delirium and psychosis. The need for the State to protect our youth with legislation is urgent."
(DW/GK)
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Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
