New premises for Laytown Garda station is “off the table” until at least 2030 - Chief Supt

People living in the coastal communities of Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington, who currently have to wait for the assistance of Ashbourne when calling Gardai out could soon start seeing more officers on their streets, according to Chief Superintendent John Dollard..

Speaking at last week’s Joint Policing Ctte meeting in Ratoath, Chief Supt Dollard noted that he is aware Laytown is crying out for resources, and he is aiming to introduce new measures to the Laytown Garda Unit including making the area the new training centre for incoming Gardaí in the Meath Division.

He highlighted that this will see additional resources and members in the area.

“You can’t beat young members and their energy. Laytown has the potential to provide exposure to all the necessary skills that gardaí require, which can be done through a training centre.”

He added that he has plans for where new recruits will be sent, with particular focus on Laytown.

Laytown, he said, is expected to see a 24/7 policing response service in the coming year. With a number of training stations throughout Meath, such as Trim and Ashbourne, it was noted that larger stations tend to receive trainees, however, Chief Superintendent Dollard is aiming to re-circulate them out.

Additionally, it was announced that both Duleek and Laytown are set to undergo refurbishments, with particular emphasis on Laytown, adding that the decided works will not be his responsibility.

Chief Superintendent Dollard added that while Duleek and Laytown stations are due to be refurbished, a complete “new” premises for Laytown Garda Station is “off the table” until at least 2030.

Councillor Sharon Tolan for East Meath raised concern at this announcement, noting that while Laytown has been on the list for refurbishment for some time, the location is not fit for purpose.

She said: “How the staff are working there is beyond me,” explaining that the Garda station is located in a housing estate with residents having it there for the last 25 years, who will “object to the refurbishments at all costs”.

Cllr Tolan said that with a population of nearly 30,000 people in Laytown and surrounding areas, an independent site is needed for the district.

She added that she will continue to call for an independent site until a new one is granted.

Chief Supt John Dollard for Meath/Westmeath Garda Division also stated that it is his understanding that the Laytown Garda Unit will not move into the Drogheda district. Laytown has been subject to boundary amendments, but these, he said, needed to be approved by the Commissioner.