“Very constructive meeting regarding policing in Coastal East Meath and other issues”
Back in April, Drogheda City Status Group (DCSG) made a detailed submission to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris regarding policing structures in the Greater Drogheda Region which includes Coastal East Meath.
The submission was also delivered to local Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD, sponsor of the recent Geiran Report – the findings of which Garda management and other State and voluntary organisations are currently reviewing.
Following on from this, a meeting was arranged for the DCSG Committee to meet with Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan and Superintendent Andrew Watters at Drogheda Garda Station for further discussions regarding DCSG concerns in relation to policing in the Greater Drogheda Region.
“East Meath has only a part-time Garda Station at Laytown and has to rely on back-up from distant Ashbourne 33 kilometres away,” said Anna McKenna Chairperson, DCSG, adding “the recent assault on two local boys at Bettystown beach – and the time it took Gardai from Ashbourne to respond – underlined just how ineffective the current policing arrangements are for the community there.”
Both DCSG Committee members and Senior Garda management confirmed that a very constructive discussion was held regarding policing in Coastal East Meath and other issues.
Chief Superintendent Mangan congratulated DCSG on the comprehensive submission they had made to the Commissioner and he confirmed his support for the work their members undertake on a voluntary basis for the much needed orderly development of the Greater Drogheda Region.
With a population of 80,000 in the catchment (and growing) it is now larger than the catchment of Waterford City.
On policing in Coastal East Meath, DCSG stressed the need for Laytown Garda Station to be part of the Drogheda District as heretofore and also for it to be upgraded to a 24/7 Garda Station.
Chief Superintendent Mangan assured the delegation that their proposals would be given full consideration and the recommendations would be brought to the attention of the Garda Commissioner.
