Paula Byrne is resigning as CEO of Merchant's Quay Ireland.
The Dublin homeless service were in the news after they were granted temporary planning permission by An Bord Pleanala for their planned supervised drug injection facility at their base on the quays a few months ago. A source from the nonprofit organisation confirmed Ms Byrne's resignation.
They told Dublin Live: "Paula Byrne resigned today. She will be departing Merchant's Quay in June this year."
MQI was given the green light for the development back in December. The injection facility, which will be the country's first, was granted permission on a pilot basis for 18 months.
Read more: Supervised drug injection centre gets green light despite objection from school
However, there was strong opposition from a nearby primary school, publicans, and councillors. St Audoen’s National School, which is located 150 metres away, argued the injection centre would result in a toxic environment for pupils and staff and launched successive High Court challenges to the plans in 2021.
The High Court found the case should be resubmitted to ABP. Meanwhile, Councillor Mannix Flynn said the plans are a "waste of money" and "out of date".
The planning allows for the injection facility to be established in the vacant basement of the building as well as an off-street waiting area. The facility will be located in MQI's headquarters at 13/14 Merchants Quay which is also known as the Riverbank Building.
At the end of the trial period which begins on the first day it is in operation, an "independent agent" will evaluate the facility. According to the finding by ABP, the Minister for Health can close down the facility if it is found to be "ineligible".
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