Important step forward in the development of Drogheda and the fight against crime – O’Dowd

Fine Gael TD for Drogheda, Fergus O’Dowd, has welcomed news received from his colleague the Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys TD, confirming that local Droghedian Michael Keogh is to be appointed as Chairperson of the Geiran Report Drogheda Implementation Board.

Deputy O’Dowd said “The Vivian Geiran report on community safety and wellbeing in Drogheda identifies up to 70 key recommendations for Drogheda that aims to address the criminality, societal issues and urban depravation that has plagued our town over recent years culminating in a criminal feud which rocked the town’s core.

The new structures announced today will include:

• Local Droghedian Michael Keogh to be appointed as Chairperson of the Drogheda Implementation Board
• Implementation plan to go before Cabinet before the summer break
• Commitment from Martin O’Brien, the CEO of the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, that the LMETB will host new structures to deliver services in Drogheda.

“Today’s announcement is a very important step in Drogheda’s development. We have already seen 2 additional teaching posts for each of the 3 schools recommended for supports in the Geiran Report (St. Brigid’s and St. Patrick’s N.S, St. Joseph’s CBS and Presentation NS) and we await confirmation of much needed funding that has been recommended for the Red Door Project.

“The Drogheda Implementation Board will be a key driver in terms of delivering on the recommendations of the report on the ground in Drogheda.

“I have been working very closely with the Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys, and Minister Helen McEntee, who is currently on maternity leave, to make sure this report provides much needed and improved wraparound supports for our town.

“I would also like to welcome the appointment of Michael Keogh as chairperson.  Mr Keogh is someone that has vast experience across the Departments of Education and Social Protection, Revenue, and the CSO, and he has an acute understanding of the issues Drogheda has faced over recent years.

“In addition to the Drogheda Implementation Group, the Department of Justice will lead national oversight to ensure strategic direction, action planning and the delivery of the Drogheda Implementation Plan”, concluded Deputy O’Dowd.