Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan publishes the final progress report for the Drogheda Implementation Plan
- Published on: 3 July 2025
- Last updated on: 4 July 2025
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has today published the final progress report of the Drogheda Implementation Plan: ‘Drogheda: Building a Bridge to a Better Future’.
This progress report focuses on implementation of the recommendations contained in the 2021 report, Drogheda: Creating a Bridge to a Better Future, which was published in response to rising concerns regarding crime and fear of crime in Drogheda. The Drogheda Implementation Board was established to oversee the implementation of the plan. Following its establishment in 2021, the extended term of the Board came to an end on 31 December 2024.
Significant progress has been made on the 74 recommendations set out in the Plan. These recommendations fell under two general headings:
- the need for improved interagency cooperation in the administration and delivery of services in Drogheda, and
- the need to resource services or provide additional services in the area
Other recommendations in the report covered areas relating to drug use; youth and community development facilities; services for children and young people; education and training; arts, culture, sport and recreation, local authority organisation and services; local infrastructure and assets; employment, enterprise and development; and ethnic and racial issues.
Over the lifetime of the Board, 70 individuals have been employed; 23 of these are permanent posts whilst a number of others are funded on a long-term basis by a variety of government departments and statutory agencies. In addition, over €31 million was committed in funding, either to support these posts or for capital projects.
Publishing the final progress report, Minister Jim O’Callaghan said:
“I want to thank and commend everyone, particularly those at local level, involved in the work of the Drogheda Implementation Plan. This initiative is an example of the power of cooperation between state agencies and the involvement of and engagement with the local community.
"I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all the members of the Drogheda Implementation Board for the hard work, time and commitment that they have contributed to supporting communities in Drogheda. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the Chairperson, Michael Keogh, and Coordinator, Gráinne Berrill, for their impactful work and dedication to improving community safety and wellbeing in Drogheda.
"I would also like to thank Martin O’Brien and the LMETB for hosting the Board, the contribution of which has been invaluable.
“And to the representatives across government departments and in state agencies, who have demonstrated that working together in a coordinated approach can bring great benefits."
Michael Keogh, Chairperson of the Drogheda Implementation Board added:
"The significant progress made during the tenure of the Board is a reflection of the level of commitment and dedication of all members of the board and sub groups to the project and is an example of what can be achieved through the establishment of appropriate structures with increased levels of cooperation between state agencies and communities at local level.
"The report outlines the status of the recommendations on 31 December 2024 when the term of the Board came to an end and I am aware that further progress has been made since then by the relevant state agencies in the case of those recommendations with a longer timeframe.
"I look forward to the early establishment of the Louth Local Community Partnership and wish it well with its work."
Local Community Safety Partnerships are being established across the country under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. It is recognised that every community is different and has different problems and issues. Each partnership will develop and implement a Local Community Safety Plan tailored to the specific needs of that area.
It is anticipated that the new Louth Local Community Partnership will be established shortly, and it will continue to ensure a collaborative approach to enhancing the wellbeing and safety, including in the community in Drogheda.