“Proud of Drogheda’s resilience and community spirit”

Senator Alison Comyn has welcomed the publication of the final progress report of the Drogheda Implementation Plan: “Building a Bridge to a Better Future”, by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.

Senator Comyn expressed her deep pride in the people of Drogheda and the substantial progress achieved over the past four years: “This report is a powerful testament to what Drogheda can achieve when local communities, state agencies, and government come together with a shared purpose. I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come — not only in tackling the challenges we faced, but in laying the foundations for a safer, stronger and more inclusive Drogheda.”

The Implementation Plan was launched in 2021 in response to serious concerns about crime and community safety in Drogheda. Since then, the Drogheda Implementation Board has overseen progress on 74 recommendations aimed at improving interagency cooperation and enhancing essential services. The final report highlights over €31 million in funding, the creation of 70 jobs (23 permanent), and significant improvements in services, infrastructure, and stakeholder collaboration.

Among the many successes highlighted in the final report are the opening of a new Community House in Rathmullan and the appointment of architects for the Moneymore Townland Community Hub, both of which represent significant investments in community infrastructure. The expansion of Garda jurisdiction to better cover South Drogheda has strengthened local policing, while the relaunch of the “See Something Say Something” and “Ask for Angela” campaigns has bolstered community safety efforts.

In the area of drug rehabilitation and mental health support, the Red Door Project has received extended HSE funding for key posts, and a trauma-informed care initiative, delivered in partnership with DCU, has made vital progress. In education and recreation, €11 million in funding was secured for a major new Sports Arena at St. Oliver’s Community College in collaboration with Drogheda Wolves, while the Drogheda Digital Innovation Hub is now fully operational, supporting enterprise and employment in the town. Further investment has gone toward arts, culture, and sport projects, many of which are now established as permanent features of the local landscape.

Senator Comyn praised the local leadership involved in driving the plan forward: “The work of the Drogheda Implementation Board — led by Chairperson Michael Keogh and Coordinator Gráinne Berrill — has been outstanding. Their commitment to the community has made a real and lasting difference, and we owe them our sincere thanks. I also want to acknowledge the invaluable role played by Martin O’Brien and the LMETB in hosting the Board and providing essential support.”

Looking ahead, Senator Comyn welcomed the planned establishment of the Louth Local Community Partnership under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024: “The end of the Board’s term does not mean the end of this work. I am confident that the new Louth Local Community Partnership will build on these achievements, and I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure Drogheda continues on this path of renewal, growth, and safety.”

Senator Comyn concluded: “Drogheda is a town of strength, heart and resilience. We have come through difficult times, but we’ve done so by standing together. Yes, there is more work to be done, but I think sometimes people forget how far we've come. This report shows that Drogheda is not just turning a corner — we are building a better future, and I will continue to champion that progress every step of the way.”