South Belfast Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has raised concerns over finding vast amounts of drug paraphernalia in the car park of Finaghy Train Station, off Finaghy Road North, during a volunteer litter pick at the weekend.
Ms Bradshaw said that she found an alarming number of nitrous oxide canisters, a substance increasingly common in recreational drug use, and multiple corresponding plastic bottles with holes burnt in them for inhaling this gas.
Nitrous oxide (N02), more commonly referred to recreationally as ‘laughing gas’ or ‘balloons,’ has legal use in healthcare settings for sedation, but its recreational abuse is on the rise, particularly among young people and in the festival and rave scene. It is illegal to supply it for recreational use.
"Today, I have written to Translink calling for immediate clean-up efforts from the landowner at the site. It is clear from the location of the discarded cans and bottles that the illicit activity is taking place in a corner of the site where large items have been dumped, thereby providing an enclave obscuring their presence. It is important that Translink, as they quite justifiably promote their Park & Ride options, make sure that the environment is kept safe, clean and clear of such waste material," she said.
"I have also written to the PSNI to request increased patrolling activity around the car park as during the litter pick, I also found so many discarded cans and bottles and empty bags with remnants of drugs. So, it is clear that the area is being used for a wide range of illegal and unsafe activity. The safety of train passengers and those using the car park to collect them is of paramount importance, and we need to discourage all unwanted, illegal activity in this public space.
"Finally, I will be engaging with the Public Health Agency around my concerns about the use of these nitrous oxide canisters. The cans were all printed with warnings of the risk of permanent brain damage or death, and yet the sheer quantity of the discarded items would indicate that there are people using the gas to get high and putting themselves in grave danger of long-term ill-health or worse.
"These discarded items demonstrate that there is urgent action needed to address this crisis in this location."
A Translink spokesperson said: “Finaghy train station is monitored via CCTV by our staff, who will contact the PSNI if they witness anti-social behaviour.
“We also carry out regular checks of the station and we work closely with the PSNI Safe Transport Team and community groups.
“We plan to increase our patrols and cleaning regime at Finaghy station.”
The PSNI have been contacted for comment.
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