A road safety initiative in the northwest is harnessing young people's passion for cars, equipping them with hands-on mechanical work experience and road safety education.
Originally set up at the request of the courts and Probation Service, the pro-social programme has been adapted to meet the needs of 14 to 20-year-olds in Donegal, Derry and Tyrone.
Programme co-ordinator Brian O’Donnell said the Cross Roads initiative will facilitate 260 young people across the border regions over the next two years with the support of the Peace Plus programme.
"We are working with young people because of their interest in cars. We don’t want to alienate them. We want to bring them along with us, let them work on cars and keep them on the roads."
Mr O’Donnell said the response has been positive with a six-month waiting list from interested schools.
He said the programme provides practical mechanical and bodywork skills while teaching road safety, dangers of car modifications and basic NCT preparation.
"Donegal has a poor history in relation to road safety, and we want to change that. The main aspect is to try and keep young people safe on the roads before they start driving.
"If we save one life, change one person’s attitude, change their behaviour, the programme will be a success," he said.
Tutor Denis Ferry said they aim to harness the passion young people have for cars in a constructive manner, adding that some participants have pursued careers in the car industry.
"There are two elements: road safety and car maintenance. Donegal has a massive car culture. It’s nice to pass on the experience and information that we have gained over the past 30 years.
Ethan McGinley from Gleann Cholm Cille said the course has encouraged him to consider a career as a mechanic, describing it as work he enjoys. He praised the programme's focus on both road safety and mechanics.
Ryan Joyce from Killybegs echoed those views, saying he found it enjoyable, combining his love of cars with hands-on learning alongside friends.
Garda Inspector Sean McDaid, who is responsible for roads policing within the Donegal Division, said the programme has engaged the young participants.
"They’re not being lectured. The mechanics inform them of what to do and they get their hands dirty. They love it. They’re really involved and interested, which keeps them connected.
"They’re learning about safety on the roads from the mechanics. They’re learning about the dynamics of the car on the road.
"They dip into the likes of drink driving and drug driving…things like that. It’s all about behaviour on the roads and the consequences of their driving. That’s reinforced within the programme."
As part of the programme, a member of Donegal Roads Policing Unit showed the participants a breathalyser and discussed the dangers of driving under the influence while also discussing the legal limit for tinted windows.
Some participants said that alongside the road safety elements that they learned much about mechanical work including changing brake disks, machine polishing and general car maintenance.
Oisín Ellis from Dunkineely said the programme worked particularly well as many young people are visual learners.
Nathan McGhee from Killybegs echoed those sentiments, saying he learned a great deal by taking part in the hands-on garage work.
"It’s better to have the car safe than look cool. At the end of the day, it’s your own life or someone else’s."
Ciaran Maguire, who oversees the road safety aspect of the programme, said it is based on the same principal as the Men’s Shed.
"When young people are working with something like cars, they talk freely and openly. We talk to them while they’re doing that.
"The initial interest is in car repairs. When we have them here, we have a captured audience, we then talk to them about road safety and all the aspects out of the road.
He said the programme is based on four pillars of emotional control, driving under the influence, rights and responsibilities and consequences.
"This course is designed to instil respect for cars, an understanding of how they function, self-respect, and respect for all road users among young drivers, irrespective of gender."
The initiative is a component of the Pro Social driving programme established in 2012 at the request of District Court President Judge Paul Kelly, Inspector Michael Harrison and Tim Coughlan from the probation services.
Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Paul Canning said the initiative funded under the local authority’s Peace Plus Local Action Plan is a great example of how funding can drive positive change within communities.
"We are proud to support initiatives like the Crossroads Programme that make a real difference in the lives of young people in Donegal and the border counties," he said.
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