HSE Brings Drug Testing Service Back to Electric Picnic for Fourth Year

The Health Service Executive returns to Electric Picnic this weekend with Ireland's first drug-checking programme, offering festival-goers free and confidential analysis of substances to identify dangerous trends and reduce harm at the Stradbally event.

The HSE Safer Nightlife Harm Reduction Programme, now in its fourth year at the festival, combines on-site laboratory testing with harm reduction advice. Festival attendees can submit drug samples anonymously at two drugs.ie tents located in the Electric Arena and Hendrix Campsite, or at medical spaces throughout the grounds.

Fifty trained volunteers will conduct outreach across campsites over the weekend, providing information about current drug market trends and offering advice on safety. The programme, which began as a pilot at Electric Picnic, has become a crucial tool for identifying dangerous substances in circulation.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor:

"As Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, 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 and help to those who may need it."

The Minister acknowledged the constantly evolving drug market and emergence of more dangerous substances, praising the HSE's initiative for identifying drugs in circulation and responding to their dangers.

Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services:

"The HSE Safer Nightlife Programme is the first of a kind in Ireland where people can receive harm reduction and public health advice which has been informed by real time information about drugs in circulation."

Professor Keenan noted that the project benefits both the public and on-site medical services. Last summer, the team worked with medics to identify MDMA pills causing increased seizures, allowing them to issue public alerts.

HSE Emerging Drug Trends Project Manager Nicki Killeen:

"Without this project, we would have no Irish data on MDMA purity, which has been increasing year on year since we began. These results help us identify trends and tailor how we deliver harm reduction to people at events."

Killeen revealed that the programme has previously issued alerts on high-strength MDMA linked to medical emergencies, 3-CMC being sold as cocaine without buyers' knowledge, and cases of 100 per cent pure cocaine, which is extremely rare but can lead to severe medical situations or fatalities.

The HSE has also identified synthetic opioids sold as heroin and benzodiazepines through their community work. Killeen emphasised that these alerts were only possible because people submitted samples to help the wider community.

Festival-goers visiting the tents, identifiable by volunteers in purple and pink high-vis vests, can discuss concerns about drug use in a health-led, non-monitored safe space. The HSE stresses that while it's always safer not to use drugs at all, those who choose to do so should take precautions.

Key safety advice includes telling friends about drug use, avoiding using alone, starting with small test doses, avoiding mixing substances including alcohol, staying hydrated by sipping water (but not exceeding a pint per hour), and knowing the signs of drug emergencies such as overheating, muscle pains, confusion, or seizures.

The HSE will share drug trend updates throughout the weekend on X (Twitter) and Instagram @drugsdotie. Earlier this year, they issued new guidance for MDMA and ketamine users in response to changing drug markets.

The programme represents a pragmatic approach to drug harm reduction, acknowledging that substance use occurs at festivals while prioritising public health and safety. The HSE hopes that clear recommendations for expanding the project will be included in Ireland's forthcoming National Drugs Strategy.

While Cork festival-goers might be more familiar with events closer to home like Indiependence or Live at the Marquee, those making the journey to Laois for Electric Picnic can access these vital harm reduction services throughout the weekend.