“It’s time to deliver for the people of East Meath.”
The Sinn Fein TD for Louth and East Meath, Imelda Munster, says it is high time that Laytown/Bettystown had a full time Garda Station and she has called once again on the Minister for Justice to take action on providing one.
“Criminal incidents seem to be increasing in the area and that the people of East Meath have waited long enough” she said.
“I have been concerned at recent reports of house burglaries and car thefts from properties in the Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington areas” Deputy Munster said.
“These thefts have left some people locally feeling very uncomfortable and really it’s high time that a full-time Garda presence was available to people in East Meath.
“In March, the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee wrote to me to confirm that the boundary lines between Drogheda and Laytown will be revised to reflect the needs of the community in the East Meath and Louth Area and that this will be addressed under the new Garda Operating model.
”The Minister also stated that the Garda Commissioner had confirmed that Laytown Garda Station is to be considered for inclusion in An Garda Siochana’s refurbishment programme.
“We all know that the situation in Laytown and Bettystown is ridiculous in terms of policing.
“The towns are policed on a part time basis, 20 hours a week, with a Garda station that is not fit for purpose. People in the area are having to rely on Ashbourne Garda station which is 33km away.
“There are ongoing concerns about a rise in anti-social behaviour, drug crimes and unprovoked attacks, and now we’re hearing about burglaries and car thefts in the area.
“It’s not too much to ask for a full time police service in East Meath. The Minister and the Garda Commissioner both appear to understand the need for a new full time Garda station, but they don’t seem to be in any rush to provide it.
“I have written to the Garda Commissioner again asking for an update on the matter of the revision of boundary lines between Drogheda and Laytown because he needs to get a move on to make this happen.
“It’s time to deliver for the people of East Meath.”
