The medically supervised injecting facility at Merchant's Quay was due to open last September, but this has yet to happen.

There have been objections from businesses and schools in the area as well as from Fáilte Ireland, who are worried about the possibility of problems near tourist attractions.

Derek Parker, Project Coordinator for the Merchant's Quay facility, says that while they understand the concerns people have, it will save lives.

"One person a day in Ireland dies by drug overdose. That's amongst the highest in Europe. The facility will save lives and provide a clean, medically supervised and compassionate space for people who are injecting drugs to do so."

However, Independent Dublin City Councillor Mannix Flynn says an injection centre is not the solution.

"I'm a public representative, I see what goes on there. With respect to Merchant's Quay, they're trying their best, but it's a catastrophic situation. The alternative is detox and treatment centres."