Safe Balbriggan Pillar to be ratified by Balbriggan Leadership Group

The Balbriggan Leadership Group will meet to ratify the establishment of a Safe Balbriggan Pillar at their quarterly meeting on Wednesday (February 17).

At their meeting on October 20 last, the Leadership Group agreed to a proposal to establish a fifth pillar of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan 2019 – 2025 focusing on community safety in response to community feedback seeking investment in this sphere.

Officials from Fingal County Council, the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána have worked together over the past few months to establish a framework for a pillar focused on community safety in Balbriggan

Balbriggan has witnessed rapid expansion over the last 20 years. It is now the youngest and one of the most ethnically diverse towns in Ireland bringing with it all the complexities, opportunities and challenges of a growing town.

The establishment of SAFE Balbriggan as the fifth pillar of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan 2019 – 2025 demonstrates the Council’s commitment to working with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána to promote community safety and wellbeing in Balbriggan.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Healy, said: “I welcome the extra funding which the Department of Justice has provided for the Garda Youth Diversion Project in Balbriggan and also the establishment of the Safe Balbriggan pillar to oversee the work that is going to happen on the ground in the coming months. It demonstrates that there is good engagement between the community and the Balbriggan Leadership Group and this is leading to positive interventions.”

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, said: “Balbriggan has experienced rapid population growth in recent years. The area has a young, diverse population with great potential. However, such rapid growth naturally brings challenges and my Department recognises the extra supports which are needed to help the community as it grows. I have spoken to local public representatives about our plans and I look forward to receiving updates on the progress of the initiative.”

 Minister of State for Law Reform, James Browne TD, said: “Recognising the needs of the local area, the Department has provided funding for an additional two youth justice workers in the local Garda Youth Diversion Project but what is equally important is ensuring there are strong mainstream youth services and migrant integration supports in place in the town. What young people in the area need is positive outlets and opportunities and we look forward to working through Safe Balbriggan to ensure they are in place.”

Chief Superintendent Mark Curran of An Garda Síochána said: “An Garda Síochána very much welcome and support this initiative.  Our newly appointed Superintendent in Balbriggan, Paul Franey, and the local Garda team look forward to working closely with the various local community groups, Fingal County Council and other agencies involved to meet the challenges of a rapidly growing community.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “Fingal County Council recognises that continued collaboration with government departments, agencies, community groups and residents is central to further build a prosperous, vibrant, inclusive town. The establishment of the Safe Balbriggan pillar shows our continued commitment to the social and economic rejuvenation of Balbriggan.

Professor Brian MacCraith, Chair of the Balbriggan Leadership Group said: “We welcome the work done by the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána and Fingal County Council to assist us in establishing this new Pillar. This will be an important step forward for the people of Balbriggan.”

The Balbriggan Leadership Group was formed in 2018 by Fingal County Council and has been tasked with developing a long-term socio-economic strategy for Balbriggan with actions that can be delivered upon. The Leadership Group comprises Councillors, Senior Fingal County Council officials and key public and private sector stakeholders across pillar themes of Local Economy & Enterprise, Community Affairs & Integration, Employment, Education & Training and Public Realm & Placemaking.