Over a dozen agencies from within the region and further afield gave presentations to several hundred people at a public information evening on the issue at Colaiste Phobal last night.
Among those present were Pieta House, The Amber Flag, The Mid West Regional Drugs Taskforce and Rise- which was set up by musician Francis Black to help families affected by addiction.
There was a broad welcome from the floor for those present but some like George Cunningham felt there needed to be a joint up approach.
Concerns were again expressed about the future of Roscrea Garda Station while the meeting heard that a Community Sergeant was being appointed to the town.
Fine Gael TD Noel Coonan also informed them that Garda training at Templemore would begin on September 7th.
However Detective Inspector Brian Conway reiterated that the current level of officers they have simply wont increase in the immediate future
There was a brief violent scuffle at one point during which a member of the Gardaí was verbally abused and a chair was thrown at one of the residents attending.
However the individuals involved subsequently left and the meeting resumed within minutes.
It was decided that a number of working groups would be established to assist in the campaign and the movement has christened itself “Roscrea Stands Up”
Speaking to Tipp FM, residents said it was vital that the community continue to come out in force to these meetings.
