THERE were 66 convictions for drug offences in District Court offices across Donegal last year.
In Donegal District Court, 18 people were convicted on drug offences in 2025, up 12.5 per cent on 2024.
By contrast, 48 people were convicted at the Letterkenny District Court office in 2025, down 30 per cent on 2024.
Almost all of those convictions were for possession of drugs, cultivation of cannabis plants, and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
Whilst district court drug convictions in many towns have remained relatively stable or declined, some towns and counties in Ireland have recorded significant rises in the number of people convicted on drug offences.
Total convictions for drug offences in our District Court system rose from 5,202 in 2024 to 5,440 in 2025 — a 5 per cent increase nationwide.
Dublin recorded the highest number of drug offence convictions, with 2,071 people convicted in the capital in 2025. This is up 11 per cent on 2024.
MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú said these figures are only the tip of the iceberg. She warned they point to a broader rise in drug use in Ireland that must be confronted head on.
Ní Mhurchú, a former barrister, said the disparity in drug convictions across District Court offices warrants investigation.
She added that drugs in the community are a major concern raised by parents, community leaders, pub owners and Gardaí.
The MEP has also previously highlighted a 37 per cent year-on-year rise in drug-driving offences.