The Minister for Justice has appointed former Probation Service director Vivian Geiran (pictured) to look at the impact that criminal activity in Drogheda is having on the community in the town.

Helen McEntee said Mr Geiran would assess the scale of the problem, identify gaps in services and make recommendations on what action the Government needs to take in future.

Challenges and needs

“The scoping exercise will gather and assess information relating to the ongoing challenges and needs experienced by communities in Drogheda, and identify opportunities to connect, support and strengthen services, including those for young people, in the area,” said the minister.

As part of the exercise, Mr Geiran will engage with residents, service providers including An Garda Síochána, businesses and other members of the community.

Minister McEntee said the work would start in the coming weeks and was likely to take between six and ten weeks to complete.

“The issues in Drogheda have on occasion spilled over into neighbouring areas, such as Bettystown and Laytown, and where relevant to the scoping exercise, they will be taken into account,” said minister McEntee.