Drug related violence support suggested for Athy
ATHY Municipal District has shown interest in rolling out information on the DRIVE initiative – a national programme aimed at addressing drug-related intimidation and violence in towns across Ireland.
The motion brought forward by cllr Veralouise Behan at a recent meeting of Athy Municipal District has called on the council to engage with the initiative to provide confidential support for families affected.
The DRIVE project (Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement) is funded by the Department of Health and supported by a wide network of agencies including the Regional and Local Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, the National Voluntary Drug and Alcohol Sector, An Garda Síochána, the HSE National Addiction Advisory Group, the Probation Service, the Department of Justice and the Health Research Board.
According to a report issued by the Community Department, many of the agencies involved in DRIVE will also be represented on the new Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) once it is established.
Work on forming the LCSP is currently under way. The formal nomination process through the Public Participation Network (PPN) and subsequent ministerial ratification is ongoing, with the first meeting expected to take place in the first quarter of 2026.
The report notes that it would be “premature” to refer items to the LCSP until the partnership and its operating processes are fully in place.
Throughout 2026, newly established LCSPs will be required to develop and implement tailored community safety plans, adopting a strategic, inter-agency approach to tackling local issues. The DRIVE initiative, the report states, is an example of the type of matter that will require coordinated action across multiple agencies.
A new National Strategy for Community Safety, which will act as the overarching policy framework guiding local safety plans, is expected to be published in the third quarter of 2026.
Cllr Behan said: “Drug related violence is a huge problem across the district and country.”
“I look forward to this being rolled out and put into action next year,” she said.
Cllr Brian Dooley added: “This is a motion of national significance. These are issues that councillors see on a weekly basis. It would be very beneficial to communities right throughout the country.”
