The Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force (WRDATF) introduced the Planet Youth model to Ireland in 2018. In partnership with local agencies, communities and organisations, the WRDATF is leading the roll-out of the programme in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon for the period 2018 - 2023.

Planet Youth is an international evidence-based primary prevention programme developed by the Icelandic Centre for Social Research and Analysis (ICSRA) at Reykjavik University. Its goal is to prevent alcohol and drug use in young people and to improve their health and life outcomes. Planet Youth takes a whole population approach and focuses on all young people, rather than targeting specific vulnerable groups. It requires a transformative change in policies, practice and resources and promotes evidence-based approaches using robust local data.