Green councillor Aine Groogan made the comment after the individuals who had been hospitalised on Tuesday evening were released from hospital.
The NI Fire and Rescue Service, the NI Ambulance Service and the PSNI all attended a home on Damascus Street in the Holylands area of the city at around 5.30pm on Tuesday, after a number of people became unwell amid fears that they may have been exposed to a “potentially noxious substance”.
Several streets in the Holylands were sealed off, as approximately 30 firefighters attended the scene, including members of a specialist hazardous materials unit.
Four individuals were taken to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment.
The PSNI confirmed yesterday morning that no noxious substance had been found and that there was no risk to the wider public. The force also confirmed the four individuals’ release from hospital.
Emergency services at the scene of a serious incident in the Damascus Street area of south Belfast on September 30, 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
A quantity of suspected drugs were recovered from a property, and the PSNI has said enquiries are continuing.
District Commander Superintendent Allister Hagan previously said: “Our priority is always the safety of the public and our officers.
“While a number of people were taken to hospital as a precaution, I want to reassure the community that this incident is contained and there is no risk to the wider public. We continue to work with partner agencies to confirm the circumstances and will provide updates as appropriate.”
Emergency services at the scene of a serious incident in the Holylands area of south Belfast on September 30, 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
News Catch Up – Wednesday 1 October
Speaking after the affected individuals were released from hospital, Botanic councillor Ms Groogan said the incident emphasised the need for a new approach towards drug use in the city.
Ms Groogan said: “I was deeply concerned to hear about the incident on Damascus Street [on Tuesday] evening.
“My thoughts are with those that have been caught up in this and I hope they are able to get the support they need.
Green Party councillor Áine Groogan
“I’m relieved that everyone has now been released from hospital, but we could very easily have been dealing with a starkly different outcome.
“This just reemphasises to me the need to move to a harm-reduction approach to drugs in the city.”
Councillor Gary McKeown, an SDLP representative for Botanic, said: “I was in the area and witnessed the major multi-agency operation, so I would like to thank the teams involved in the rapid response that was deployed, and I acknowledge the patience of nearby residents whose evening was disrupted.
Councillor Gary McKeown
“Thankfully the police have subsequently confirmed that there is no risk to the wider public, but it is reassuring that had this not been the case, emergency services were able to activate a response to deal with it.”
Speaking about the incident, Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said: “I want to praise the work of emergency services in ensuring this incident was made safe, and who have confirmed there is no wider risk to the public.
“Thankfully, those taken to hospital are not believed to have any serious conditions. I wish everyone involved a speedy recovery.”
Earlier this week, the Assembly voted to call on the Health Minister to roll out harm-reduction initiatives in Northern Ireland, such as drug testing at concerts and festivals.