Funding welcomed

MINISTER for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, has announced

?¬2.8 million in funding to expand the Garda Youth Diversion Projects nationwide.

MINISTER for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, has announced

?¬2.8 million in funding to expand the Garda Youth Diversion Projects nationwide.

Three of the 10 new locations will operate in Donnycarney/Fairview/Clontarf; Kilbarrack/Killester/Raheny; and Balbriggan.

Fourteen existing projects are to receive additional staff including the Kilmore West Youth Service in Coolock.

The funding has been made available from the Dormant Accounts Disbursement Scheme.

The Irish Youth Justice Service will manage the roll-out of these services.

Dublin Bay North TD Tommy Broughan (Ind) has welcomed the announcement pertaining to areas in his constituency.

“The work of the Garda Youth Diversion Projects is absolutely invaluable,

? said Deputy Broughan.

“This increase in funding allowing for two extra services and additional staff to the Kilmore project, coupled with the number of community gardaí in the area, will hopefully lead to a decrease in anti-social behaviour and help keep young people away from crime.

“The work being done on the ground in the constituency is so important and I commend everyone involved in the projects and the young people who engage in the services available to them.

?

Alan Farrell, a Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, welcomed the new project for Balbriggan.

Deputy Farrell said it would greatly benefit the local community.

“Garda Youth Diversion Projects undertake valuable work in local communities throughout the country in deterring young people from becoming involved in criminal activity and tackling existing levels of youth crime,

? he stated.

Minister Fitzgerald said significant progress has been made in tackling youth crime in recent years.

“However, it is important to acknowledge that additional crime prevention and crime reduction efforts such as the Garda Youth Diversion Projects are needed in areas with a high level of youth crime, and in areas where an increase in the youth population raises the risks of increasing levels of youth crime,

? she said.