Sinn Féin Senator Joanne Collins has expressed strong support and admiration for the Rathkeale Youth Diversion Programme, praising it for its transformative role in addressing youth challenges and fostering positive community engagement. Speaking recently, Senator Collins highlighted the programme’s success since its re-launch earlier this year, calling for such initiatives to become standard across Ireland.
Programme Making a Meaningful Difference
Senator Collins noted that the Rathkeale Youth Diversion Programme has brought significant changes to the community, particularly among local youth. She commended the efforts of all those involved—youth workers, local authorities, community leaders, and the young participants themselves—for creating an environment where constructive alternatives to anti-social behaviour are both available and effective.
“This programme is making a real difference on the ground,” Senator Collins said. “In a short span of time since it was re-launched, we’ve already seen how it is steering young people in a more positive direction. This is about more than just preventing crime—it’s about offering hope, support, and a real chance at a better future.”
The Importance of Early Intervention
The Senator also emphasized the importance of early intervention when it comes to youth involvement in crime or anti-social behaviour. Programmes like the one in Rathkeale work by identifying young people who are at risk and engaging with them through structured support systems, mentoring, educational initiatives, and recreational activities.
“It’s critical to reach out to young people before they go too far down the wrong path,” she stated. “The earlier we intervene, the more effective we can be in helping them change course. What this programme shows is that investment in early support yields real results—not just for the individual but for the whole community.”
Calls for Expansion Across the Country
Senator Collins stressed that such programmes should not be limited to a few areas or treated as exceptional cases. Instead, she argued, Youth Diversion Programmes should be part of a national strategy to tackle youth crime, reduce recidivism, and promote community safety.
“This should not be a once-off or unique to Rathkeale. We need similar youth engagement programmes in every town and city where young people are struggling. These should be the norm, not the exception,” she said.
She called on government departments, particularly the Department of Justice and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, to increase funding and logistical support for similar projects in other regions.
Collaboration is Key
One of the standout features of the Rathkeale programme, according to Senator Collins, is its collaborative approach. The initiative brings together various stakeholders, including local gardaí, social services, youth organizations, schools, and families. This multi-agency approach ensures a holistic response to the complex issues that contribute to youth disengagement and criminality.
“Programmes like this succeed because they bring everyone to the table. No one agency can solve this problem alone. When communities, schools, families, and service providers work together, we create a much stronger safety net for young people,” Collins noted.
