Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to highlight the lack of proper action with regard to the recommendations for Drogheda published last March in the Guerin report. As we know, Drogheda has experienced serious drug crime and serious problems with drug feuds. For far too long, the people of Drogheda have been left behind, ignored and failed. Drug crime in Drogheda, as well as the heartache, tragedy and hardship the entire town has been put through, is a symptom of underinvestment and not enough help for the town over the past decade. I urge the Department of Justice to start funding those recommendations. There are community groups and organisations there now like the Red Door Project and the Holy Family Boxing Club but they are pushing back a wave. There is a serious cocaine problem in Drogheda. Anyone who knows the town of Drogheda knows it is a beautiful town and a gorgeous Georgian place. Many of us visited it for the Fleadh Cheoil a few years ago. The place is beautiful and there is so much history and culture to offer, as well as the finest people. I worked there for a couple of summers so I know it well for someone from north Louth. We need actions. We need to look after the people of Drogheda and to listen to them. It is the biggest town in all of Ireland and we need to listen, act and resource those recommendations in the Guerin report.