Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster has called on the Minister for Justice to ensure that the Bettystown and Laytown areas of East Meath are included in the new Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Garda division under the new Garda Operating Model.
Deputy Munster was speaking to the Garda Síochána (Functions and Operational Areas) Bill which will bring about major changes to how an Garda Síochána is organised.
“The Guerin Report is a roadmap, to move on from the drugs gang feud, and this must include Laytown and Bettystown as they were seriously affected by the crime and violence associated with the feud” Deputy Munter said.
“On top of this, we have a ridiculous situation whereby Laytown and Bettystown are policed on a part time basis despite a significant increase in anti-social behaviour, drug crime and serious unprovoked attacks.
“They are served by a Garda station that is not fit for purpose, and only provides policing services 20 hours a week. People in the area have to rely on Ashbourne Garda station, which is 33km away.
“I have written to the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and I have raised this issue with the Taoiseach. We need a full time policing service in East Meath.
“Under the new Garda Operating Model Bettystown and Laytown will remain in the Ashbourne district, and it is my opinion that East Meath should be included in the Louth/Cavan/Monaghan division to ensure a coherent approach to solving the problems that allowed the drugs feud to take hold in the Drogheda area.
“To leave people in East Meath having to rely on a response from a Garda station 33km away is totally unacceptable. The government needs to listen.”
