The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Michael McDowell, T.D. today announced that a further ten Garda Youth Diversion Projects are to be established in the following locations:

The Tánaiste approved the locations of the ten projects on the basis of local needs as prioritised by the Garda Commissioner.

Making the announcement, the Tánaiste said, "Garda Youth Diversion Projects are a real and practical mechanism for assisting young people from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social or criminal behaviour.  The projects are proving highly successful and are contributing to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda / community relations.

The establishment of these ten Garda Youth Diversion projects brings the total number of projects to 84 nationwide compared to 64 this time last year.

By the end of 2007 there will be a total of 100 such projects in operation - an increase of 88 since 1997.  To facilitate this expansion I have secured funding of 9.8 million euro for the Garda Youth Diversion Scheme for 2007, an increase of 3.2 million euro on the 2006 figure."

Of the twenty new projects that have been established in the past year, twelve are located in RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) areas.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects are a community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiative, which seek to divert young persons from becoming involved - or further involved - in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects.  By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda/community relations.  The projects are funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and are administered by the Community Relations Section of the Garda Síochána.

4 January 2007