“We can get Drogheda back on its feet again – the lack so far has been the leadership”
The author of a report on gang violence and the widespread drug problems in Drogheda has made scathing comments about the lack of leadership and facilities for young people locally.
“We can get Drogheda back on its feet again” says Vivian Geiran, the former head of the Probation Service, adding that “the lack so far has been the leadership.”
The eagerly anticipated report, it is called “Drogheda: Creating a Bridge to a better Future”, was commissioned by Justice Minister Helen McEntee following the brutal murder last year of a local teenager, was discussed at cabinet earlier in the week and released last night.
It offers Drogheda an alternative to the path of drugs, unemployment and violence but the author warns that it will be a long road that will require improved leadership, a change in atttitudes and a big investment in a myriad of different areas.
In his report Mr Guerin speaks about the sense of frustration, trauma and despair experienced by respondents to his scoping exercise, as well as by the wider community in Drogheda.
“There is huge pride and mobilising energy among people who are hungry for positive change and want to be part of that change and contribute in whatever way they can” he says.
“The town can point to recent collective successes like its hosting of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2018 and 2019, but these good news stories and successful community initiatives in Drogheda have been overshadowed by the level of drug-related offending and the violence and other incidents linked to the activity of organised crime groups.
He points out that, at almost 18%, the unemployment rate in Drogheda is notably higher than the national figure of roughly 13%.
“The median gross household income in Drogheda was €38,876, compared with a national median gross income per household of €45,256” he added. But, he says, “with the right leadership, we can transform this town.”
He recommends that, as a matter of urgency and priority, Louth and Meath County Councils to agree an appropriate mechanism or ‘vehicle’ for the generation, agreement and implementation of a joint local development plan for Drogheda Town in its entirety, including the appropriate area of East Meath, particularly the Laytown-Bettystown area of County Meath.
Among the 70 recommendations of the report are:
The delivery of the proposed Moneymore Community Centre and for a similar facility in the Rathmullan area.
- Increased resources (e.g., staff, training, minibus/es) to the two Garda Youth Diversion Projects (CABLE and BOYNE GYDPs).
- The Red Door project should receive urgent additional funding to the tune of €150,000 for the provision of drugs outreach work.
- Strengthening of community policing – particularly in the town centre and suburban areas.
- Funding and development of a sports and community facility at DIFE (cost estimated at approximately €1 million).
- To address the impact of the county boundaries of Louth and Meath, and the corresponding delineation between Garda Districts/Divisions, specifically in relation to the policing of the Laytown-Bettystown area of East Meath.
- Generate an agreed strategic plan for the development of youth and community work and the development and training of such leaders in Drogheda.
- Include appropriate actions in relation to the training and development of local youth and community workers in this strategic plan; and specifically, education, training and career progression routes, linked to pre-university and university-level programmes, as well as incorporating ‘on-the-job’ training elements.
Ending his report on an upbeat note, Mr. Guerin says:
“Action needs to be taken as a matter of urgency. Some services need to be improved and gaps in others addressed. Above all, interagency cooperation is critical and central to what needs to be done.
“While the challenges are not inconsiderable, they can be overcome, and this is indeed a time of great opportunity and possibility for Drogheda.
“There is a real possibility of doing something now that could make a real difference.”
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