President Michael D Higgins has officially opened a major extension of Teach Mhuire in Gardiner Street in inner city Dublin.
The house is part of Cuan Mhuire's network of rehabilitation and accommodation centres for those suffering from alcohol, drug and gambling addictions.
The centre is Ireland's largest multi-site provider of residential detoxification and treatment services, accounting for over half – 52% – of all admissions in the country.
The new facility will provide a range of services, including short-term emergency accommodation for 60 people to help them transition to independent living.
"It is heart-breaking to walk down our streets, meeting so many people lost in heroin and other addictive drugs," said Sr. Consilio, founder of Cuan Mhuire.
"They have no one to help them in their current state of addiction and distress. They need love, care and real hope.
Source: Irish Examiner, 15/09/14