Concern over garda districts

CALLS for Louth to remain a ‘separate and distinct’ garda division emerged after the Joint Policing Committee in Dunleer last week.

Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú raised his concerns with the Garda Commissioner regarding a restructuring plan which is set to result in the Louth Division merging with Cavan Monaghan.

‘I have grave concerns regarding the proposed restructuring announced by Drew Harris in August 2019. Under this plan, which could be operational by the end of the year, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan would become one division and I fear this will lead to the loss of localised decision making.’

He added: ‘I spoke of the very specific challenges that exist in relations to the drug and organised crime gangs which operate in Dundalk and Drogheda.’

‘My fear is that large towns like Dundalk, could lose the necessary local planning and decision making. We need to ensure that a local inspector with responsibility for Dundalk is not curtailed by remote instruction from a Superintendent who has responsibility for a much wider area.’

‘ The very specific threats and challenges faced by Gardaí in Louth require a bespoke response from members of the Gardaí on the ground in Louth on a daily basis. Towns like Dundalk simply cannot be policed remotely.’

The Louth TD warned: ‘ We have seen the disregard which these gangs have both for human life and for the gardaí. It is obvious that any reduction in organisational capacity from Louth would be music to the drug pushers ears. We have seen some really good policing operations in Louth, and I commend the Gardaí involved.’

‘However, while personnel has increased in Drogheda, it needs to be ensured that other areas, like Dundalk, can maintain full service at all times.’