The decision by Dublin City Council to refuse planning permission for a medically supervised injecting facility for drug users "will put lives at risk", the national homeless and drugs charity, Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), has insisted.

MQI had sought to run the facility from its building in Dublin's city centre, however Dublin City Council refused planning permission, due to the lack of a "robust" policing plan and the potential impact it could have on the local economy, particularly in relation to tourism.

The facility would have been able to accommodate up to 100 drug users per day.

MQI chief executive, Paula Byrne, described the council's decision as "deeply disappointing".

"With one person a day in Ireland dying of a drug overdose, it will put vulnerable lives at greater risk. In 2016, 736 people in Ireland died from drug-related causes, the fourth highest rate in Europe, and every indicator suggests that this number is increasing.

"International evidence clearly demonstrates that supervised injecting facilities reduce public injecting, reduce risk of disease transmission, and most importantly, save lives," Ms Byrne explained.

She said that the charity intends to review the council's decision before considering its next steps.

"In the meantime, we will continue to advocate for people in addiction, to ensure that they receive the care they deserve," she added.

The facility had been opposed by a number of people, including local businesses and politicians.

The decision to refuse planning permission can be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.