Change to policing boundaries to reflect ‘needs of East Meath’

Proposals would see Drogheda station answering calls for coastal areas but no date has yet been given on when it would come into effect

Major changes to the policing of the east Meath area look to be on the cards with boundaries between Laytown and Drogheda set to be realigned.

In response to correspondence sent by Fergus O'Dowd TD on the issue of policing in east Meath, the Garda Commissioner's office confirmed that a review of the boundaries between Drogheda and Laytown sub-districts has been carried out and it has been “recommended that the boundary lines should be revised to reflect the needs of the community".

While the Garda Press office confirmed that a need to realign the boundaries has been recommended, no date has yet been given on when it would come into effect.

"An Garda Síochána has not determined a time frame for any re-alignment, which will take place as part of the wider organisational restructuring under the implementation of the Operating Model."

RELATED: Change welcome but full-time Garda station still needed for Laytown - Tolan

It is also not clear on where the new boundary would fall and whether it would see all of the Laytown District realigned with Drogheda or whether it would see the boundary moved to just take in outlying areas of Drogheda such as Grangerath and Southgate and the Donore Road Retail Park.

Local councillor Sharon Tolan has called for clarity on where the boundary will be and whether it will take in all of the Laytown area and also for clarity on when the change will take effect.

Deputy O'Dowd, Fine Gael TD for the Louth and East Meath constituency has been calling for the east Meath area to be policed as part of the Drogheda area, which is geographically much closer, for some time. At present, Laytown is in the Ashbourne District of the Meath Garda Division.

The issue of response times was thrown into sharp focus last summer following a brutal, unprovoked attack on a local student on Bettystown beach and a protest was organised by the boy's mother, Tania O'Neill, calling for extra Garda resources for the area.

Once part of the overall Louth-Meath Division, Laytown was traditonally a sub-station of Drogheda but became its own district in 2008 when the Louth and Meath Divisions were separated. However, in 2012, Ashbourne and Laytown were amalgamated, with the headquarters based in Ashbourne. The move prompted criticism locally over the vast area that the new district was covering stretching from Kilcock on the Kildare border to the outskirts of Drogheda.

Deputy O'Dowd has welcomed news that the Garda boundaries of Laytown and east Meath were to be realigned and said it was essential that the operation of these boundaries commence immediately. He has written to the Garda Commissioner's Office asking when the realignment will commence and is also pushing for Laytown Garda station to be included in a refurbishment programme.

"I have no doubt that this decision will greatly enhance the effective professional response of Gardai who will all be based locally. Citizens in east Meath who need support will no longer have to call Ashbourne for assistance when the new boundary commences as they will get a local immediate Garda response."

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: "The Garda Commissioner has confirmed to me that the boundary lines between Drogheda and Laytown will be revised to reflect the needs of the community in the East Meath and Louth Area.

“I know there has been concern locally, and I am glad that An Garda Síochána has decided, following a review of the boundaries, to address this as part of the rollout of the new Operating Model.

“The Commissioner has also confirmed that Laytown Garda Station is to be considered for inclusion in An Garda Siochana’s refurbishment programme.

“In the meantime, it is important to note that a 24/7 policing service is available between Laytown and Duleek, and that Divisional Units also patrol the area.

“As Minister for Justice and a local TD, I am committed to ensuring that the communities of Louth and Meath are supported and protected. More Gardaí will be recruited this year, including in Meath and Louth, and I am also pleased that a large number of plain clothes officers have been deployed in coastal areas in recent months to combat theft."