Task force plan new Ballymun alcohol strategy

LOCALS in Ballymun are being invited to have their say on a new alcohol strategy for the area.

Ballymun Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force (BLDATF) is currently developing a new strategy following the success of its previous one entitled ‘A Road to Change: Ballymun Community Alcohol Strategy 2010-2016’.

The new strategy will run from 2017-2020 and is being developed in partnership with Safer Ballymun Community Safety Forum.

Its aim is to continue to mobilise the local community including political representatives, community leaders, statutory organisations and alcohol retailers in getting behind the new plan.

Coordinator of BLDATF, Hugh Greaves, said the task force was heartened by the impact of the last alcohol strategy.

“For example, one in two residents in Ballymun believes that people in Ballymun have become more aware of the harmful nature of alcohol,” he explained.

“There is continued high community support for evidence-based measures, increased controls of underage drinking and alcohol advertising promotions in the area. We would really welcome views and ideas as we develop the new strategy.”

A priority within the framework of the revised strategy will be to outline key objectives and targeted actions, evidence-based practices and engagement of stakeholders in relation to alcohol use and behaviours to influence the delivery of responses reflecting local needs in Ballymun.

Closing date for written submissions is 5pm July 8 2016. Send to Marie Lawless at [email protected]. For further information contact Hugh Greaves at 01-8832142 or e-mail [email protected]