Relocation of RAPID Bin at Ballymote Shopping centre in Downpatrick

Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has relocated its RAPID bin at Ballymote Shopping Centre in Downpatrick to allow even further opportunity for public use.

Previously sited at the rear side of the Supervalu supermarket, the facility for safely disposing of prescription and illegal drugs is now closer to the supermarket entrance.

The RAPID (Remove All Prescription and Illegal Drugs) bin is an initiative in partnership with the PSNI and Action on Substances through Education and Related Training (ASCERT) that promotes and facilitates the removal of all types of prescription and illegal drugs from the local community. The overall aim of the RAPID initiative is to reduce risk – at individual, family and community level – in relation to drug use and availability.

Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP Chairperson, Councillor John Trainor, said, “Relocating the RAPID bin to an even more visible location will encourage people in the community to use it and dispose of illegal drugs and unused prescription medication in a safe and anonymous way. Abuse of illegal and prescription drugs ruins lives and any measure that can be introduced to help is welcome. The success of the RAPID bins in other areas of the Council are a testament to the effectiveness of this approach.”

Pamela Quiery, of the South Eastern Drug and Alcohol Coordination Team, said, “We are delighted to be involved in the RAPID partnership. Working with the PCSP we welcome and support this initiative. We have no doubt that the relocation of the RAPID bin in Ballymote to a more accessible site will bring greater usage.”

The key principle behind the RAPID bins is to tackle the growing issue of drugs in our communities and to allow individuals to safely dispose of illegal drugs and unused prescription medication in a safe and anonymous way. This is a partnership approach between ASCERT, the Public Health Agency, PSNI, and Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP.  Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP are currently in the process of identifying new locations to install further RAPID Bins throughout the district, which will continue to help combat the illegal use of drugs and prescription medication within our local communities.

For more information on existing RAPID bins please email the PCSP at pcsp@nmandd.org.