The Junior Minister at the Department of Social Protection says he is visiting Roscrea today to hear first hand what issues are facing the local community.
The “Roscrea Stands Up” campaign has been gaining momentum in recent months as the local community tries to tackle the problems of drug abuse, anti-social behaviour and unemployment.
A number of initiatives have already started to take effect in Roscrea as the local community battles back against the problems facing it and many other towns across the country.
Local activist Derek Russell says they have had visits from a number of Government Ministers since the campaign began – while welcoming Minister Kevin Humphreys arrival today he says at this stage they need more than promises.
Minister Humphreys will meet with a number of voluntary local organisations this afternoon including Saint Cronan's Association and the Roscrea Community Employment Forum.
The Minister will also meet with local elected representatives to see what his department can do to help resolve the issues.
Derek Russell says the problems facing Roscrea and other towns across Tipperary at the moment are similar to what inner city Dublin has had to cope with over the years.
While praising the progress made by Gardai on tackling the drug problem he says more is needed in other areas such as under-age drinking.
One of the main problems though is jobs – Derek Russell says it’s gone into second generation of unemployment at this stage.
Minister Humphrey admits helping the long-term unemployed is a key part in tackling the issue.
He says Tipperary has being doing well in this area with employers taking on board the Jobs Plus scheme – 78 employers have taken on 119 people who have been unemployed for over a year.
This he says not only has a fantastic effect on the individual but also on their family and the wider community.
