Ketamine Use Rises in Dublin as Wastewater Analysis Reveals Significant Increase

A recent report from the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) indicates a substantial increase in ketamine use in Dublin, Ireland. Wastewater analysis conducted at the Ringsend wastewater treatment plant shows a 42% rise in ketamine byproducts between 2024 and 2025. This increase positions Dublin as the seventh highest city among 66 European cities with comparable data for ketamine levels.

Key Findings from the EUDA Report

• Ketamine Increase: A 42.2% increase in ketamine levels was detected in Dublin’s wastewater between 2024 and 2025. [Source: The Journal]
• Cocaine Decrease: Despite remaining the most prevalent drug detected in the capital, cocaine levels decreased by over 21% during the same period. [Source: Nova.ie]
• Ecstasy (MDMA) Decline: Ecstasy levels as well saw a significant drop, decreasing by over 23% in Dublin’s wastewater. [Source: Nova.ie]
• Cannabis Increase: Cannabis levels increased by over 8% during the same timeframe. [Source: Nova.ie]

European Trends in Drug Use

The EUDA study, which analyzed wastewater samples from 115 European cities, revealed broader trends across the continent. Ketamine loads in wastewater increased by 41% from 2024 to 2025, while cocaine increased by nearly 22%. MDMA levels, however, decreased by 16% across the surveyed cities. [Source: The Journal]

Concerns and Health Risks

Health authorities are particularly concerned about the rise in ketamine use, especially among young people aged 15-24. [Source: Nova.ie] Ketamine can cause serious health problems, including neurological and cardiovascular toxicity, mental health issues, and urological complications such as bladder damage. [Source: EUDA]

Dr. Eabhann O’Connor, a consultant urologist, highlighted the unique risks associated with ketamine, noting that its metabolites can directly affect the bladder, potentially leading to frequent urination, kidney failure, and even bladder loss. [Source: Nova.ie]

Looking Ahead

The EUDA emphasizes the need for public health officials to utilize this data to develop more effective prevention and harm reduction strategies. Increased public health messaging, particularly targeting secondary school students, nightclubs, and festivals, is crucial to raise awareness about the potential health consequences of ketamine use. [Source: Nova.ie]