Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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1587.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider a further extension for the Drogheda implementation board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32941/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I 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 have made significant progress so far 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. The third progress report was published in February this year. Strong progress continues to be made in implementing the actions identified in the Plan. It is my intention to publish the fourth progress report in the coming weeks.

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 will be aware, I announced last year that the Drogheda Implementation Board would be extended for another year until September 2024. The extension of the Board’s term 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.

I intend to shortly announce the next steps in relation to the Drogheda Implementation Board.