Realignment very welcome but should commence immediately says O’Dowd
The inconvenience for people living in East Meath and the areas of Drogheda town which are in County Meath caused by the fact that their “local” policing service is administered from Ashbourne may soon be a thing of the past.
Laytown Garda station, which opens for just 20 or so hours in the week, has for a long time been considered totally inadequate to serve the needs of the 18,000 people living in the Laytoen, Bettystown and Mornington areas. Out side of those hours people seeking to avail of Garda srvices must travel to or contact the divisional headquarters in Ashbourne.
An Garda Siochána has responded to correspondence from Deputy Fergus O’Dowd informing him that a review of the boundaries has taken place as promised some time ago and that it has been recommended that the boundary lines should be revised to reflect the needs of the community.
In a statement issued today Deputy O’Dowd warmly welcomed the decision saying that it is essential for the Garda Commissioner to commence the operation of these new boundaries immediately.
“I have no doubt that this decision will greatly enhance the effective professional response of Gardaí who will all be based locally” said O’Dowd.
“Citizens in East Meath who need support will no longer have to call Ashbourne for assistance when the new boundary commences as they will get a local immediate Garda response.”
It was also revealed by An Garda Siochána that Laytown Garda Station, which Deputy O’Dowd had described as being no longer fit for purpose considering the unprecedented population growth in the area, is to be considered for refurbishment to be funded under the National Development Plan (NDP).
“I will continue to press for improved Garda resources locally and wish to congratulate the Gardaí for their dedicated and unrelenting efforts in tackling serious crime in our area and assure them of the full support of our citizens” O’Dowd said.
Back in April 2021, the 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 Geiran Report.
Arising from this, a meeting was arranged for DCSG Committee members 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.
“As part of the Greater Drogheda Region, Coastal 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.”
