Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Scoping Report into Community Safety and Wellbeing in Drogheda was commissioned last year by Minister Helen McEntee following a number of violent incidents in Drogheda. The purpose of the Scoping Report was to gather and assess information relating to ongoing challenges and community needs in Drogheda, and to identify actions to support communities and connect relevant services. The report comprehensively addresses the ongoing challenges and needs experienced by communities in Drogheda and identifies opportunities to connect, support and strengthen services in the area.

The publication of the Scoping Report and the development of an implementation plan are key actions in my Department's Justice Plan 2021. A distinguished former Director of the Probation Service, Vivian Geiran, was engaged to prepare the report, which makes over 70 recommendations on short and long term responses to challenges the community faces. This includes measures around crime prevention, youth services, drug addiction, education, infrastructure and community development. The recommendations highlight the need for improved interagency cooperation in the administration and delivery of State services in Drogheda, as well as the need to resource public services or provide additional services in certain areas in particular.

The Scoping Report was published on 26 March last. Briefings were organised by Minister McEntee the following week for community groups and services that had met with Vivian Geiran, as well as for public representatives for Louth.

The implementation plan for the key recommendations arising from the report is currently being developed and will identify the relevant stakeholders for each recommendation and outline next steps for engagement.

An action plan to oversee the implementation of all of the recommendations contained in the Geiran report is at an advanced stage of preparation and is expected to be published in the coming weeks. I look forward to continuing engagement with all relevant Departments, agencies and the Louth local authority to ensure a comprehensive and practical approach to implementation.

As well as publishing the scoping report, my Department has identified some actions for early implementation which can be progressed in line with the finalisation of the implementation plan. This includes providing funding to the Red Door project and the Family Addiction Network.

Grant funding is provided for specified projects in line with grant agreements. Red Door have submitted grant proposals and my officials are engaging with them to conclude grant agreements to oversee the proposed projects.