George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

If we look across the country, it is clear that when it comes to diverting young people from criminal activity, the presence of community gardaí delivers huge results. I have seen it across my home county of Wexford where community gardaí working assiduously on the ground are making a real difference in their communities. Investment in community gardaí is a no-brainer when it comes diverting young people from criminal activity.

I wish to highlight the example of Ferndale, an area in my hometown of Wexford. Even though I have referred to community gardaí, I believe this is a cross-agency matter. I agree with my colleague Deputy Kelly in that regard. A number of years ago, I worked with Tom Enright, a former excellent county manager in Wexford. I approached him about utilising a piece of council land to put in place some sporting facilities. Mr. Enright came fully on board. He was extremely supportive and the council came on board. Following on from that, we applied for sports capital funding and the Government gave us €300,000. We built some AstroTurf facilities. So impressed with the whole development was a local businessperson that he volunteered €500,000 as a donation towards the project. Wexford FC then came on board, and each week people come together under the stewardship of Mark Ross and his team. In this area that had suffered over the years from antisocial activity, people are coming together. The custodians of the AstroTurf facility are the local mothers in the area. We are now currently building a boxing club on foot of the resources and the funds the council have added to this. A cross-agency approach is needed and not just when it comes to community gardaí. Certainly, the benefits of everybody coming together under the leadership of community gardaí initially, and with their endorsement, leads to results.

Another area in Wexford town benefits greatly from the presence of a family resource centre. The Southend Family Resource Centre operates in the Maudlintown area of Wexford town. One can see on the ground that it is almost a perfect storm of community development. People come together, anchored and centred by the centre. It is there that the ideas, facilities, projects and courses spring from. It brings together all elements of the community, be they the men's shed, knitting groups or choirs. The local sports GAA club is here as well, St. Mary's of Maudlintown. These groups are coming together and community gardaí are providing assistance.

Community gardaí are leading the charge. They give credibility to any project that leads to an enhancement of a particular area. I urge that there be consistent and increased investment in community gardaí.

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