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Monday, 20th January 2025

Minster thanks Drogheda Implementation Board as term of office comes to an end

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Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD pictured last October with Michael Keogh, Chair of the Drogheda Implementation Board, at a meeting in Drogheda to announce the appointment of chairpersons of the first seven Local Community Safety Partnerships in the country including one in Louth which is chaired by Ciarán Reid.

Minister McEntee has thanked the Drogheda Implementation Board for its significant work in improving community safety in communities across Drogheda during its tenure which came to an end on 31 December 2024.

Significant progress has been made on the 74 recommendations as set out in the Drogheda Report Implementation Plan.  These recommendations fell under two general headings:

  1. The need for improved interagency cooperation in the administration and delivery of services in Drogheda, and
  2. The need to resource services or provide additional services in the area.

Over the lifetime of the Board 70 individuals have been employed in response to the Drogheda Report Implementation Plan; 23 of these are permanent posts whilst a number of others are funded on a long term basis by a variety of government departments and statutory agencies. In addition, over €31m was committed in funding either to support these posts or for capital projects.

“At the core of the Drogheda Implementation Board's work has been the strengthening and improving of cooperation between State agencies” said Minister McEntee.  “I wish to thank each of the agencies and their representatives for the focused engagement over the last number of years, and indeed for their commitment to continuing their efforts with a partnership approach.

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“I’m pleased to say that much of the Board’s work has been effectively mainstreamed through the relevant agencies in the area; this clearly demonstrates how new connections and collaborations can contribute to better outcomes.

“I would like to thank all the members of the Drogheda Implementation Board for the hard work, time and effort that you have contributed to supporting communities in Drogheda. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the Chairperson Michael Keogh and Coordinator Gráinne Berrill for their impactful work and dedication to improving community safety and wellbeing in Drogheda.

“I would also like to thank Martin O’Brien and the LMETB for hosting the Board, the contribution of which has been invaluable.”

“This is not the end of the Government’s focus on Drogheda” the Minister said. “I look forward to the establishment of Louth Local Community Safety Partnership soon.  I have no doubt that the work of the Board will act as both an inspiration and a guide to this new partnership in the coming years, and that it will build on the positive momentum already created by the Board to continue building stronger and safer communities in Drogheda and throughout the Louth area.”

Drogheda Implementation Board Chairperson Michael Keogh said: “A real feature of the work of the Board and the sub-groups has been the increased level of interagency cooperation which has greatly facilitated the progress made over the past three years.”

“In addition some 70 additional staff (a mix of full-time and part-time) have been employed in Drogheda to provide additional services identified in the plan, alongside over €31m committed in funding either in supporting those posts or in large scale capital projects.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Board and the sub groups for their contribution and commitment to the project.   I would also like to acknowledge the substantial contribution of all past members of the Board and sub-groups, particularly our Co-ordinator Grainne Berrill who was a key driver of much of the progress made.  A special mention also for Martin O'Brien and his team in LMETB who have hosted and supported us since our establishment.”

Work will continue over the month of January to prepare a final progress report for publication by the Department of Justice and to ensure a smooth transition of the relevant recommendations to the new Local Community Safety Partnership which is due to be established early this year.

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