A sharp rise in ketamine use in Dublin has been detected through wastewater analysis, prompting renewed concern among health experts about the drug’s growing popularity, particularly among young people.
New findings from the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) show a 42 per cent increase in ketamine byproducts at the Ringsend wastewater treatment plant between 2024 and 2025. The data, which monitors drug consumption by analysing sewage, suggests the party drug is becoming increasingly prevalent in the city.
Among 66 European cities with comparable data, Dublin ranked seventh highest for ketamine levels, underlining the scale of its use locally.
The report also highlighted mixed trends across other substances. Cocaine detections fell by 18 per cent, although Dublin still ranked 20th out of 88 cities. Despite the drop, cocaine remains the most prevalent drug detected in the capital, with levels estimated to be around ten times higher than ketamine.
Similarly, ecstasy (MDMA) saw a 19 per cent decrease in detections, placing Dublin 18th out of 78 cities analysed. Notably, MDMA levels have fallen significantly compared to ketamine — from being present in almost equal quantities in 2024 to roughly half the level in 2025.
Cannabis, meanwhile, recorded an 8 per cent increase, with Dublin ranking 23rd out of 63 cities. It remains the second most commonly detected drug after cocaine, though at much lower concentrations.
Health authorities have expressed particular concern about the rise in ketamine use due to its serious medical risks. The HSE has been monitoring its growing presence at music festivals and nightlife settings for several years, especially among younger users.
At a recent Oireachtas committee meeting, HSE addiction lead Professor Eamon Keenan warned of an increase in cases involving ketamine-related bladder damage. The condition, often referred to as “K-bladder” or “K-cramps,” can cause severe pain and may progress to incontinence or even kidney failure.
International research has also pointed to escalating harms. A Dutch study published last year found a significant rise in first aid incidents involving ketamine, particularly when taken alongside alcohol or MDMA. It reported that frequent users were up to six times more likely to develop urinary tract complications.
The EUDA has also noted a broader European trend, with a sharp increase in ketamine imports and seizures in recent years. In Ireland, at least 33 kilograms of the drug were seized by Gardaí and Revenue in 2025, with a further 10 kilograms confiscated so far in 2026.
EUDA Executive Director Dr Lorraine Nolan said wastewater monitoring provides a valuable early warning system for emerging drug trends.
“Europe’s wastewater tells the story of a drug phenomenon that is widespread, varied and in constant flux,” she said. “This year’s study reveals a marked decline in traces of MDMA, alongside continued signs that cocaine and ketamine detections are on the rise.”
“Wastewater analysis helps us track these shifts early to better understand where attention and resources are needed, and to inform evidence-based public health and policy responses across Europe.”
