In their respective regions, community-led steering groups will offer focused interventions with the assistance of several State authorities.

Balbriggan, Ballymun, Canal Communities (Dublin), Celbridge, Cork city, Drogheda, Leixlip, Listowel, Monaghan, Sligo, and Swords will all see the implementation of the project in the upcoming months.

Approximately 500,000 people live in the 12 areas where the project will be implemented. Ireland is the first nation in Europe to implement the World Health Organization's (WHO) Building Safer Communities initiative.

"This initiative demonstrates the power of community action in tackling alcohol-related harm," stated Dag Rekve, a WHO Drug and Alcohol expert.

By focussing their efforts on local engagement and people, Letterkenny is leading by example.

"The evaluation of this initiative will undoubtedly provide valuable insights for other communities globally who are striving to prevent and reduce alcohol harm," said Rekve.

Together with the Irish Community Action on Alcohol Network and seven Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, Alcohol Forum Ireland is spearheading the initiative.

Based on five WHO-recommended measures, the safer project delivery at the local level focusses on 15 essential steps.

Strengthening prohibitions on the sale of alcohol, promoting and implementing laws against drunk driving, and making screening, short-term intervention, referral, and treatment more accessible are a few of the actions.