Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr. Paddy McQuillan has thanked the Drogheda Implementation Board for the unbelievable work that they have carried out across our communities over the last three years.
The Implementation Board came into existence of the Scoping Report ‘Drogheda: Creating a Bridge to a Better Future’ carried out by Vivian Geiran in January 2021.
“In its recommendations the report included an implementation plan that the Board was given the task of executing” Cllr. McQuillan said.
“The board had the backing of the relevant departments for sport, enterprise, and justice. It was also backed by An Garda Siochana, along with the LMETB, Louth Local Development, Tusla and the HSE. Many other organisations, both local and national contributed as well.
“With two local people, Michael Keogh as Chairman of the Board and Grainne Berrill as Coordinator, the subgroups that were established were tasked with implementing the 70 plus recommendations from the report.
“In less than three years every recommendation was implemented, with the exception of one or two that are well on their way to completion, including the Moneymore Townland Hub.
“In the three years that the Implementation Board was active over €21m was invested in our community and 70 new posts were created in Drogheda and East Meath.
“The financial investment saw over €400,000 invested in Youth Services, over €500,000 invested in Drug Services, and €15m invested in the LMETB. LMETBs investment included a Youth Officer, Community Facilities and Tertiary Block in DIFE and of course the Apprentice Training Centre.
“This level of local investment is unprecedented and the successful implementation of the recommendations is a true credit to the Board and all the subgroups that committed to collaboration over the last number of years. They really have transformed Drogheda and East Meath and those people involved deserve our thanks.
“Although many people contributed to the success, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Grainne Berrill. It is fair to say that as Coordinator if the Implementation Board, Grainne was the driving force behind the success of this project. Her commitment and dedication to her role was apparent for all to see. She devoted three years of her life to the betterment of Drogheda and its citizens.
“On behalf of the people of Drogheda I thank you. Our future has been brightened by your sheer hard work and dedication.
