“A wake-up call for national and local government”
Labour TD Ged Nash has said that the publication of the Department of Justice led review is a step in the right direction for Drogheda and that implementation of its 73 recommendations can transform the area.
“This is an initiative that was first advocated by me and local Labour Party Councillor Pio Smith two and a half years ago as the Drogheda drugs feud took hold and its impact on our community escalated” he said.
“We have been very clear from the outset that a tough policing and criminal justice response to gang activity and the related growth in drug crime, addiction, violence and intimidation would not alone be sufficient to ensure community safety and wellbeing.
“What has been required is a longer term and sustained multi-agency response and that is precisely what the report – researched and produced by expert Vivian Geiran – recommends.
“What comes through is the vibrancy and pride in our area but also the fact that the town has been let down by poor long-term planning, a lack of investment in community facilities and education, training and drug services and poor co-ordination at local and at national agency level.
He said that the review makes for uncomfortable reading for central and local government and its agencies.
“Throughout the report, the contributions from local community leaders portrays a legitimate sense that Drogheda has been ‘neglected by officialdom’.
“The previous Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan TD, on a visit to Drogheda, remarked that if a plan can be produced, government will fund it. We now have the plan and the onus is now on government to ensure that the High-Level Cross-Departmental Group that the review proposes in terms of the implementation of the plan is established without delay.
“This is a good day for Drogheda and a landmark report. I want to thank Vivian Geiran, the local people and groups who contributed to his work and the Department of Justice for their interest in this process and their engagement with me on this initiative over the last two years.
“Today can be a new dawn for Drogheda if the opportunity is grasped.”
