Department of Justice funding to the tune of €75,000 has been approved for the Boyne Youth Diversion Project.

This money is part of a fund of just under €6.7m being allocated to over 50 Youth Diversion Projects around the country which was announced today by Minister of State with responsibility for Youth Justice, James Browne T.D.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Browne said: “Having visited many Youth Diversion Projects across the country during my time as Minister of State, I have seen first-hand the positive impact they have on both the young people who they welcome through their doors and the wider communities in which they are based.

“It is my and the Department’s stated ambition to ensure that the provision of YDP services is available to every child in the state who would benefit from it within the next two years.”

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said:

 “Young people can become involved in damaging behaviours for all kinds of reasons and today’s announcement demonstrates my Department’s commitment to providing supports and diversions that can undo some of the damage created by these behaviours. The Youth Diversion Projects work to present options to support vulnerable young people for the good of themselves, their families and their communities.

“I want to commend the tireless efforts of everyone involved in the YDPs so far for the terrific work which will provide a template for a wider rollout of the programme across the country.”

Local Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, has warmly welcomed the funding for the BOYNE Youth Diversion Project. 

“I’m delighted the BOYNE project were successful in securing the monies which will see €47k targeted at an Early Intervention Programme for 8-11 year olds and €28k targeted at providing additional support to the Youth Diversion referrals through a family support worker” he said. 

“I wrote in full support of their application last year and I’m delighted that they now have the resources to expand their vital services in our town. I want to congratulate the BOYNE team for their trojan work and look forward to seeing the projects progress.”

Councillor Paddy McQuillan who has worked with and on behalf of the local Youth Diversion Projects said: “This is welcome evidence that the Drogheda Implementation Board is having a positive effect in our community.

“It is great to see an initiative from the Department of Justice targeted at the young members of our community I would like to congratulate all involved in making this happen.”