Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise the serious issue of the lack of a full-time Garda station and Garda presence in east Meath. The area has seen a serious increase an antisocial behaviour, drug crime and serious unprovoked attacks. Frantic calls for help have to go through to Ashbourne Garda Station, some 33 km away. When the Garda Commissioner reduced Garda divisions from 28 to 19, he promised increased visibility and more localised service. The complete opposite has happened in east Meath. People feel completely abandoned.

Will the Taoiseach commit, in the Government's capital plan, to include provision for a fit for purpose Garda station in the Laytown-Bettystown area? A population of 22,000 people live in that area. Gardaí are operating from a dilapidated bungalow in the middle of a housing estate and only provide Garda service 20 hours per week. I raised this matter with the Commissioner, who is aware there is an issue in the area but continues to ignore it. Will the Taoiseach raise those serious concerns with the Commissioner and commit to including it in the capital plan?

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