Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
507. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if she will extend the remit of the Drogheda Implementation Board and Plan past its current timeline to ensure that the excellent work that continues to be carried out is secured going forward and the remaining implementation recommendations be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34039/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to improving safety and wellbeing for the community in Drogheda.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Drogheda Implementation Plan outlines 73 actions to support community safety and chart a path to improved community wellbeing in and around Drogheda.
The Drogheda Plan is an example of the power of cooperation and community. We are gaining momentum in Drogheda and I look forward to seeing further great strides made for the people of Drogheda.
The Plan is reviewed on a quarterly basis, with a progress report published biannually. The Board consists of an independent, voluntary Chair, appointed by the Department of Justice, and 16 individuals representing 14 organisations, ranging from community representatives to senior decision-making representatives from statutory and other key agencies. The second progress report of the Drogheda Implementation Plan was published in March 2023 and the report identified a number of positive developments in the area.At a local level, the Drogheda Implementation Board is the core driver and co-ordinator of the activities outlined in the Plan, while my Department provides national oversight to ensure strategic direction, action planning and the delivery of the Drogheda Implementation Plan.
As the Deputy may be aware, I announced a year's extension of the term of the Board earlier this week. This will allow the Board to maintain the positive momentum already built to improve community safety and interagency cooperation in the administration and delivery of services in Drogheda, pending the establishment of a Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) for Louth.
The Louth LCSP is expected to be established in 2024 following the planned enactment of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023.
