MUNSTER IN PUSH FOR FULL TIME STATION
A full-time garda station to serve the entire coast area of East Meath has been deemed a priority by local TD Imelda Munster.
She has called on the Minister for Justice to address the ongoing deficiencies in Garda resourcing in East Meath. The Deputy raised the matter of Laytown Garda station, which is ordinarily open for only 20 hours a week.
“Laytown Garda station covers an area that takes in Laytown, Bettystown, Mornington, Donacarney Julianstown, Beamore and Donore. A population of over 18,400 people is covered by this Garda station, and that population is expected to rise to 23,000 by 2026.
“Generally there are at least three Gardaí on duty in Laytown Garda station, however for 20% of the time, cover is provided from Duleek Garda station as the two stations operate on a ‘paired’ basis to ensure 24/7 cover is provided.
“It is obvious to anyone that such a large population needs a full time, fully-staffed Garda station,’ she states.
She said if there’s issues with the capacity at the present station, then that would have to be tackled.
“We are all aware of the increase in anti-social behaviour and crime in Laytown and other parts of East Meath.
Gangland crime also spills out from Drogheda into villages in East Meath, and there are known criminals living in the area. The population in the area has increased massively in the last fifteen years, and that has brought an increase in crime which has been allowed to simmer away due to the lack of Garda resources.
“The Gardaí do their best, and are to be commended for their work, given the pressures of under-resourcing and the spike in violent crime in Louth and East Meath.
“The Minister must support the Gardaí by ensuring that the
Garda station in Laytown can open on a fully time basis, with a full complement of Gardaí and other staff.
“The people of Laytown and East Meath need to feel safe. Laytown and the surrounding areas are fantastic communities. The least they deserve is a fully-functional Garda station and to feel safe in their communities.
“I have written to the Minister for Justice to ask him to ensure that this matter is addressed. We cannot wait for this – it must be addressed now,’ she added.