Additional Garda Resources Needed In Drogheda

Additional garda resources are needed to tackle the escalating criminal feud in Drogheda, which has caused a series of violent incidents in the town in recent weeks, Sinn Féin TD for Louth, Imelda Munster has said.

Making the call, Deputy Munster said: "This feud has been brewing and building up for some time now, and the Gardaí have been aware of that. People have been living in fear as these thugs have no respect for life or law and need to be apprehended.

"When other cities such as Dublin and Limerick had similar feuds, extra resources were made available to Gardaí to deal with the problem.

"Whilst I welcome the news this morning that all Garda leave has been cancelled in the division, this is insufficient and additional resources are now required to nip this in the bud, before someone is killed.

"I have spoken to people who have been directly affected by this. In fact, on Hallowe'en night in one particular area of the town, not one child went out trick or treating because of the danger and the fear that is there.

"People are living in fear. Mothers are pleading for help. I personally know of three mothers who have had to put their sons on planes, to get them out of the country for their own safety. No mother should have to do that.

"Homes are being attacked with petrol bombs and large sums of monies are being demanded of parents.

"In one case, a family was informed that their house would be attacked on a particular night. Gardaí were made aware of this threat, yet the attack took place, and there were no Gardaí present.

"The five arrests that took place this weekend are to be welcomed, however the main instigators are still not apprehended, and the dogs in the street know who they are.

"A piecemeal approach won't solve this. We need increased Garda resources. I have previously raised the matter of Drogheda and Dundalk having to share one community policing van, and there are only two Garda cars available in Drogheda.

"Communities shouldn't have to live in fear. This lawlessness needs to be stamped out, and only extra Garda resources will do that.

"I met with senior Garda management in Drogheda last week, prior to the escalation over the weekend, and they stated clearly that insufficient resources are a clear barrier to their ability to deal effectively with this feud."