Garda youth diversion projects are a community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiative which seek to divert young persons from becoming involved – or further involved – in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda/community relations. I am committed to their continuing development and, as resources permit, their expansion.
Recent years have seen a dramatic expansion in project numbers from 12 in 1997 to 64 at present, a process made possible, in part, by funding under the National Development Plan 2000 – 2006. The locations of the new projects were decided upon according to local needs, prioritised by the Garda authorities in conjunction with my Department.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that an application for the St. Aengus Youth Project was received at Garda community relations section on 2 October 2002 and that the proposal is in respect of young people between ten and 18 years of age in the disadvantaged area of St. Aengus Parish.
