Dublin South Central Gardaí, in association with Aviva Insurance and the Aviva Stadium, are launching the inaugural Dublin South Central Garda Youth Awards later today at the Aviva Stadium.

The Dublin South Central Garda Division covers Pearse Street, Kevin Street, Kilmainham, Irishtown and Donnybrook Garda Stations.

The Garda Youth Awards were initiated in 1995 in West Cork, where local Gardaí recognised the good work carried out by local youths in the area.

This is the first year that the Dublin South Central Gardaí, with the support of Aviva Insurance and The Aviva Stadium, will be celebrating the outstanding work carried out by local youths throughout the communities of the Dublin South Central Division.

This Dublin South Central Garda Youth Awards are designed to acknowledge the volunteering activities of young people living within the Dublin South Central Division between the ages of 13 and 21. They also acknowledge the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives.

Awards will be considered for nominated young people who by their presence make their communities a better place to live. The Award Categories are: Individual Award, Group Award, Community Safety Award and a Special Achievement Award.

• The Individual Award is open to young people who have made a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

• The Group Award category applies for groups of two or more young people whose combined efforts have contributed positively to their communities.

• The Community Safety Award is for a young person, who through a crime prevention or safety innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.

• The Special Achievement category is open to any young person who has overcome difficult circumstances, or defied the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.

Irish Rugby Coach, Joe Schmidt, a number of local politicians, councillors, residents and Senior Garda Management will also be in attendance at today’s event.