Kildare reps highlight issue of drug-related intimidation and violence

A number of councillors representing the Athy Municipal District (MD) came together to highlight a strategy which aims to combat drug-related intimidation and violence in County Kildare.

A motion regarding the strategy was heard at the latest Athy MD meeting, which was held on Monday, November 17 last.

At this meeting, Fianna Fáil Cllr Veralouise Behan motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC), along with the assistance of An Garda Síochána, to "roll out" information on the DRIVE initiative (Cllr Behan's motion was seconded by her party colleague Brian Dooley).

Explaining the purpose of the DRIVE initiative, KCC noted in the report it presented at the meeting: "The DRIVE project (Drug-Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement) is funded by the Department of Health and supported by the Regional and Local Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, National Voluntary Drug and Alcohol Sector, An Garda Síochána, HSE National Addiction Advisory Group, Probation Service, Department of Justice and the Health Research Board.

"In that regard, this initiative comprises some of the agencies that will have representation on the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) when it is formed."

It should be noted that, according to gov.ie, LCSPs "aim to prioritise the voice of local people in identifying and addressing community safety issues in collaboration with broad range of relevant stakeholders including local councillors, An Garda Síochána, community representatives, business and education representatives, and a range of statutory agencies including the HSE, Tusla and each local authority."

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'WORK IS ONGOING'

Elaborating further on the DRIVE initiative in its report, KCC said: "In terms of the LCSP, work is ongoing on the formation of the Kildare LCSP.

"At present the formal process for nominations via the Public Participation Network and ratification by the Minister is ongoing."

KCC continued: "It is anticipated that the first meeting will take place during Quarter 1 of 2026; on that basis, it is premature to refer items until the Partnership and relevant processes are fully established.

"During 2026, each newly established LCSP will be required to develop and implement its own tailored community safety plan and will take a strategic approach to their work, recognising the need for inter-agency solutions, so that issues arising
can be dealt with in a coordinated manner. The matter raised clearly requires this inter-agency approach.

"In terms of actioning the matter raised through the Community Safety Plan, a 'National Strategy for Community Safety' will provide an overarching policy framework and programme of actions which will enable the development of Local Community Safety Plans.

"The 'National Strategy' is expected to be issued in Q3 of 2026."

KCC concluded: The matter raised can be considered as part of the future development of the Community Safety Plan."

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'A HUGE PROBLEM'

Speaking further on her motion, Cllr Behan told KCC that the matter of drug-related intimidation and violence is "a huge problem" — not just in the MD, but throughout Kildare and nationally as well.

However, she also emphasised: "There is confidential support out there [to those who are being affected by drug-related intimidation and violence]."

Cllr Dooley also expressed similar sentiments to her motion, and claimed that councillors are being approached by people affected by these issues "on a weekly basis".

In addition, the Mayor of the MD, Fine Gael Cllr Ivan Keatley, said that he supported Cllr Behan's motion.

Cllr Veralouise Behan (Fianna Fáil). Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.