Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I also note the presence of Deputy Breathnach for the debate.

At Deputy O’Dowd’s invitation, I visited Drogheda Garda station last week when I was impressed by the robust response of the Garda authorities in the area. High visibility patrolling and targeted checkpoints have been successful in containing further major incidents and provided reassurance for the community in Drogheda. There has been increased engagement by way of targeted patrolling and personal visits to families being intimidated because of drug debts have also taken place. Threats on members of An Garda Síochána who work on a 24/7 basis to protect communities and detect crime are reprehensible and have no place in a civilised society.

As I outlined in previous responses on this matter, I am aware of the impact the type of criminal activity that recently took place in Drogheda can have on a community, as highlighted during my visit last week. I understand the concerns of the people of Drogheda and other areas of County Louth. This type of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. I had the opportunity to visit the Moneymore estate with Deputy O’Dowd where we met community leaders. We also acknowledged the work being done in the family resource centre.

On the distribution of Garda resources, I am advised that Garda management keeps this issue under continuous review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities. Drogheda has been the subject matter of a review recently. On the allocation of Garda personnel in the Louth division, Garda strength is currently 340 members, with 110 located in Drogheda. Up to 18 of the most recent Garda graduates were allocated to County Louth for the Christmas period and nine have remained within the division. In addition, four newly appointed sergeants were allocated to the Louth division in October, with three allocated to Drogheda Garda station. Several newly promoted inspectors and sergeants will be allocated to the Louth division in the coming weeks.

I am advised that An Garda Síochána is conducting full investigations into the events that took place in Drogheda recently. As such, it would be inappropriate for me to comment while the investigations are ongoing. However, I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that there have been several arrests covering a range of offences, in addition to significant intelligence received. In responding to the incidents referred to by the Deputy the Garda has put in place a policing operation to prevent, detect and mitigate any further escalation of violence. If anyone has any information on incidents in Drogheda, will, he or she, please, contact his or her nearest Garda station or us the Garda confidential line at 1800 666 111 as soon as possible? Any information, no matter how small, could be of great assistance in the ongoing Garda inquiries in Drogheda.

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