Over 30 reports of drug debt intimidation in Kildare
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THERE were over 30 incidents of drug debt intimidation reported in Kildare over a two year period, according to newly released figures.
Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, revealed that there had been 32 incidents of drug debt intimidation reported in Kildare between 2024 and 2025, describing the figure as only a fraction of the actual number of cases, due to underreporting.
The figure comes in the wake of the murder of four members of the English family in a deliberate petrol bomb arson attack on their home in Waterford City last week.
Parents Philip and Kim English died in the fire alongside their two children, 12-year old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden.
The couple’s two other children, who were in the house at the time of the fire, are in a critical condition in hospital.
Deputy Ní Raghallaigh has announced that Sinn Féin will bring a motion before the Dáil next week calling for a major crackdown on drug debt intimidation.
The motion will set out measures aimed at supporting communities affected by drug-related intimidation and ensuring that families facing threats and coercion from criminal gangs receive adequate protection and support.
Deputy Ní Raghallaigh said:
“Between 24-25, 32 incidents were reported in Kildare and we know that this figure represents only a fraction of actual cases as this type of crime often goes unreported. Those engaged in this criminality must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The horrific murders of Philip and Kim English and their sons, Callum and Jayden, must serve as a wake-up call for politicians, An Garda Síochána and all agencies with a role in tackling these issues.”
She said drug dealers and organised crime gangs are terrorising communities through intimidation, threats, extortion and violence, leaving many families living in fear. Citing data from the DRIVE (Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement) Project, she said more than 1,000 cases of drug-related intimidation were recorded nationwide, highlighting the scale of the problem. Only one in 10 cases were reported to An Garda Síochána.
Deputy Ní Raghallaigh added: “Ending the scourge of drug debt intimidation will require a determined Garda crackdown, a public information campaign, so that people know where they can seek help, and substantially increased investment in the programmes that support victims and communities.”
The Sinn Féin TD highlighted the need to address factors affecting communities where such intimidation is prevalent, such as poverty, inequality and social exclusion.
