The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, has today announced additional funding for the national DRIVE (Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement) Project. The DRIVE Project supports individuals, families and communities affected by drug-related intimidation and associated violence in Ireland.

Minister Murnane O’Connor said: “As Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, I have prioritised action to address drug-related intimidation and violence, which has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. “The DRIVE project is an inter-agency model that has proven effective in responding to drug-related intimidation by raising awareness, supporting those affected and helping to bring perpetrators before the courts. “This additional funding will improve the monitoring of drug-related intimidation and violence, and strengthen the capacity of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, An Garda Síochána and other agencies to respond effectively.”

The Department of Health has supported the DRIVE Project since its establishment, including through the roll-out of nationwide DRIVE-specific training, a national awareness campaign, and the publication, with the Health Research Board (HRB), of the DRIVE Data Report on the nature and prevalence of drug-related intimidation (DRI) in Ireland. The report found that there were 1,027 cases of DRI in 2025, with cases recorded in every county and health region.

The allocation of €65,000 is in addition to recurring annual funding of €280,000 for the DRIVE Project.

The additional funding will support the following objectives for the DRIVE Project:

• Provide additional training to strengthen the skills and resources of local service providers, supporting the delivery of high-quality, consistent services to people affected by DRI across the country.
• Enhance the DRIVE website and promote the ongoing work of the DRIVE Project, increasing awareness of the services and supports available locally to people affected by DRI.
• Hold a national conference to review progress with stakeholders from the community, voluntary and statutory sectors, as well as Department of Health and Government officials.

Separately, the Department of Health will provide an additional €50,000 to the HRB to expand data collection on DRI from more family support services, including family resource centres. This will strengthen the HRB’s ability to report on DRI nationally and support a fuller understanding of its nature, patterns and responses.

Minister Murnane O’Connor said: “The DRIVE Project and the HRB recently published the first Drug-related Intimidation Data Report. This report provides important evidence on how drug-related intimidation is affecting communities across the country. It will help services respond more effectively and improve our understanding of the impact and outcomes of those interventions. “I want to acknowledge the vital role of staff delivering services across the country and providing essential support to people facing these challenges. It is important that we recognise their contribution and ensure they have the resources, training and support needed to continue delivering this service into the future.”