Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
653. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice the expected timeline in regard to the publication of the implementation plan to drive forward the key recommendations with regard to a recently published report by a person (details supplied) on Drogheda, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24348/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Scoping Report into Community Safety and Wellbeing in Drogheda was commissioned by Minister Helen McEntee in 2020 following a number of violent incidents in Drogheda. The purpose of the Scoping Report was to gather and assess information relating to ongoing challenges and community needs in Drogheda, and to identify actions to support communities and connect relevant services.
Vivian Geiran, a former Director of the Probation Service, was engaged to prepare the report which makes over 70 recommendations on short and long term responses to challenges the community faces, including around crime prevention, youth services, drug addiction, education, infrastructure and community development. The recommendations highlight the need for improved interagency cooperation in the administration and delivery of State services in Drogheda, as well as the need to resource public services or provide additional services in certain areas in particular.
The Scoping Report was approved for publication by Government on 13 March and published on 26 March 2021. Briefings were organised by Minister McEntee the following week for community groups and services that had met with Vivian Geiran, as well as for TDs, Senators and Councillors for Louth.
The implementation plan for the key recommendations arising from the report is currently being developed and will identify the relevant stakeholders for each recommendation and outline next steps for engagement. Engagement with all relevant Departments, agencies and the Louth local authority is ongoing to ensure a comprehensive implementation plan. This engagement will continue with a view to finalising the implementation plan in the coming weeks for submission to Cabinet, with publication occurring shortly thereafter.
