Garda project is welcomed

The Government’s decision to approve a Garda Youth Diversion Project in Newcastlewest will help promote civic responsibility and tackle social challenges like vandalism and binge drinking, according to Limerick West Fianna Fáil TD John Cregan.  

"Justice Minister Brian Lenihan’s decision to establish a project in Newcastlewest is a welcome step in efforts to help young people to realise their potential,” Deputy Cregan said.  

“The project, which is one of seven announced in this tranche, bears out the pledge in the Fianna Fáil general election manifesto to boost the number of Garda Youth Diversion Projects around the country,” Deputy Cregan added.

The West Limerick Deputy said that it was vital to provide suitable activities to facilitate personal development and promote civic responsibility and that this Garda Youth Diversion Project in West Limerick was doing just that.  

“Newcastlewest has experienced rapid growth and development over the past number of years and the facilities available for young people have not grown proportionately,” Deputy Cregan added.   

“We must make resources available to our young people in our local community.  In short, we must provide young people with an alternative to hanging around the streets,” he added. 

The Garda Youth Diversion Projects improve quality of life in communities and enhance relations between gardaí and local people according to Deputy Cregan.

The projects, which are run through Gardaí but delivered by youth workers, liaise with groups of young people who have been deemed by Gardaí to be at some risk of being involved in anti-social behaviour.  

“I’m confident that the Newcastlewest project will improve long-term employability prospects of young people who might otherwise slip into the trap of petty crime and reckless behaviour,” Deputy Cregan said.