Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the programme for Government, under "Crime Prevention", there is a commitment to "Ensuring a Strong and Visible Police Force in every Community". This is not the case in parts of Louth. At a recent joint policing committee, JPC, meeting between Drogheda and Dundalk, serious concerns were raised that the county's Garda force was short several key personnel. For example, there is no superintendent in the entire mid-Louth area. There is also a shortage of sergeants and inspectors. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is coming to Drogheda in August and 400,000 visitors are expected. There are serious concerns that local gardaí do not have sufficient resources to deal with the Fleadh crowds if there was to be an incident. This is despite the fact that all Garda leave has been cancelled. There is a serious shortage of gardaí in Drogheda to deal with the huge numbers expected to attend the Fleadh.

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