Rise In Drug Convictions At Bray District Court In 2025

New figures show that drug-related convictions are increasing in Bray, highlighting ongoing concerns about drug use in the local community.

In 2025, 99 people were convicted of drug offences at Bray District Court, up from 92 in 2024 — marking an 8% year-on-year increase. This rise is higher than the national average, where convictions across Ireland increased by 5%, from 5,202 in 2024 to 5,440 in 2025.

While some parts of Ireland recorded sharp spikes in drug convictions — such as Tullamore (+180%) and Portlaoise (+95%) — others, including many towns in Cork and Donegal, saw declines.

Bray, however, is among the locations where convictions continue to edge upward, reflecting local challenges.

Nationally, Dublin remains the district court with the highest number of drug convictions, with 2,071 people convicted in 2025, an 11% increase from 2024.

The offences recorded nationally include drug possession, possession for sale or supply, cannabis cultivation, and a smaller number of forged prescription cases.

Former barrister and MEP Ní Mhurchú has called for urgent action, emphasizing that the figures are “only the tip of the iceberg” and signal a broader rise in drug use that must be addressed.

She advocates for the swift implementation of the upcoming National Drugs Strategy 2026–2029, along with community-based sanctions, higher fines for casual drug use, more addiction treatment beds, restorative justice programs, and public awareness campaigns.

The rise in Bray is a reminder that drug-related crime is not just a national issue but a local one, affecting families, schools, and communities across County Wicklow.