Dundalk and Drogheda selected for ABC programme for 2013-2016

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement today that Dundalk and Drogheda have been selected as one of the additional nine areas to enter the design stage of the Area-Based Childhood (ABC) Programme 2013-2016.
“I sincerely welcome the decision to move the Louth proposal, The Genesis Programme, forward to the design stage of the ABC programme. The Genesis Programme proposal focuses on 74 small areas across Dundalk and Drogheda and will target deeply disadvantaged areas in these two towns. The proposal aims to build on the great work already taking place across the 8 primary schools in Dundalk and the 4 primary schools in Drogheda who currently implement Incredible Years.
“The Genesis Programme proposal was developed by the Louth Working Group which is comprised of primary school principals, parents, HSE representatives and community leaders. The group put in a substantial amount of work in their submission to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs which is evidenced by the great news that Dundalk and Drogheda have been chosen as one of the thirteen areas across the country.
“The ABC programme will target additional investment in evidence-based early interventions to improve the short, medium and long-term outcomes for children and families living in both towns. I have been in contact with the Louth Working Group on this proposal over the last six months and I believe they have compiled a very detailed submission and action plan while also joining up with all of the relevant partners in our area.
“Early intervention into the lives of children and families living in disadvantaged areas is key. At other sites around the country there have been significant improvements shown in reducing parental stress and improving parental well-being; improvements to school attendance and children's behaviour toward each other; and helping to deal with the early on-set of behavioural and emotional problems some children may experience.
“The Incredible Years in Dundalk and Drogheda is already producing great work and I look forward to committed members of the Louth proposal and their partners in building upon the successful work already in progress. Congratulations to all members of the Louth Working Group on moving to the draft stage of the ABC programme and I wish them every success.”