Minister Urges Festival-Goers to Avoid Illicit Drugs at Electric Picnic

Authorities have issued a significant warning urging festival-goers to avoid illicit drugs in light of concerns about emerging and potentially dangerous substances. The warning comes ahead of the highly anticipated Electric Picnic music festival, which is set to take place in Strabally, Co Laois, starting on August 29, 2023.

As part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, emphasized that the safest choice is to refrain from using illicit drugs altogether. In her statement, she acknowledged the risks associated with drug use, stating, “The drug market is constantly evolving, and new and more dangerous substances are constantly emerging.”

For the fourth consecutive year, the HSE Safer Nightlife Harm Reduction Programme will provide services at the festival, including free and confidential drug checking. This initiative aims to identify current drug trends and mitigate risks for those who choose to partake in substance use. Murnane O’Connor highlighted the importance of this service, noting that it plays a vital role in addressing the dangers posed by illicit drugs.

“I want to remind people that the safest option is to avoid illicit drugs. However, for those who choose otherwise, please do not hesitate to seek help from the HSE services that offer non-judgemental support,”

she added.

As part of the festival’s safety measures, two drug information tents will be located in the Electric Arena and at the Hendrix Campsite. Medical spaces will also be available across the venue, where festival-goers can submit substances for analysis and engage in discussions about various issues related to drug use.

Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services, reiterated the importance of caution, noting that individual reactions to drugs can vary significantly. He stated, “We remind people that it’s always safer not to use drugs at all, and people can have unexpected or serious reactions due to personal factors.”

The initiative aims to provide vital data on drug purity and trends, with Nicki Killeen, HSE Emerging Drug Trends Project Manager, explaining the significance of the project. She pointed out that without this data, there would be a lack of insight into the purity levels of substances like MDMA, which have reportedly increased year on year.

Killeen further detailed that many individuals submit samples to ensure their safety before use, allowing the HSE to issue alerts regarding high-strength drugs that could lead to medical emergencies. Over the past four years, alerts have been issued for substances including 3-CMC sold as cocaine and cases of pure cocaine, which could result in severe health risks or fatalities.

As the festival approaches, authorities continue to emphasize the need for awareness and caution among attendees. The ongoing commitment to evolving harm reduction strategies reflects the recognition of the complex and changing landscape of substance use in nightlife and festival settings. The forthcoming National Drugs Strategy aims to further improve access to evidence-based treatment services and prevent harmful drug and alcohol use.

This proactive approach highlights the importance of safety, harm reduction, and the need for ongoing public education regarding the risks associated with illicit drug use.