Members of some of Drogheda’s most active community groups who will be key to implementing the recommendations of the Geiran report on combatting criminality and anti-social behaviour in Drogheda met this morning for the start of a new training course.
Organised by the Louth Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Louth LEADER Partnership and the Drogheda Implementation Board, the Place Based Leadership Development Course is a key part of the Drogheda Implementation Plan, and has been developed to support front line workers, residents and agencies to develop and enhance skills in response to the impact of increased criminality.
The morning started with an address via video link from the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD, who said that the Programme, which is also taking place in Darndale in Dublin, is “…an investment in local leaders to help them address the challenges experienced in those areas.
“The Place-Based Leadership Development programme will strengthen the capacity of those already working hard to improve the quality of community life in Drogheda. The programme will encourage and facilitate collaboration that will positively impact the culture of the area.
“The issues identified in both areas are complex and will require a response from a number of different sectors. An important element of driving change will be a strong coalition of mutually invested organisations working with the local community. This approach will make a lasting impact and bring forward the solutions required.”
Place-Based Leadership is designed to open up new perspectives and possibilities and provide opportunities for mutual learning. It will also ensure that local leaders develop the collaboration skills needed to address the challenges their communities face.
“The programme will create an opportunity for the participants to work together to design, implement and review solutions to complex social challenges” the Minister said.
The course is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, with Louth LCDC and Louth LEADER Partnership providing a coordinating role is supporting its delivery.
Paddy Donnelly Chief Officer of Louth LCDC welcomed the 24 participants to the start of the course and wished them well encouraging them to maximise the opportunity that the interagency working will provide.
