Gerald Nash
Question:420. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to provide an extension to the operational period of the Drogheda Implementation Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32144/23]
View answerTuesday, 4 July 2023
Questions (420)
Written answers
I can assure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to improving safety and wellbeing for the community in Drogheda.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Drogheda Implementation Plan outlines 73 actions to support community safety and chart a path to improved community wellbeing in and around Drogheda. The Plan is reviewed on a quarterly basis, with a progress report published biannually. The Board consists of an independent, voluntary Chair, appointed by the Department of Justice, and 16 individuals representing 14 organisations, ranging from community representatives to senior decision-making representatives from statutory and other key agencies. The second progress report of the Drogheda Implementation Plan was published in March 2023 and the report identified a number of positive developments in the area.At a local level, the Drogheda Implementation Board is the core driver and co-ordinator of the activities outlined in the Plan, while my Department provides national oversight to ensure strategic direction, action planning and the delivery of the Drogheda Implementation Plan.The lifetime of the Drogheda Implementation Board is for a two year period and my Department is in discussions with the Chair of the Board in relation to how the strong and coordinated work in Drogheda will be taken forward in the longer term and I intend to provide an update on this following this consultation. The Drogheda Plan is an example of the power of cooperation and community. We are gaining momentum here and I look forward to seeing further great strides made for the people of Drogheda.