Working group established to push for 24-hour Garda station in Laytown

A WORKING group has been established in Laytown to campaign for a fully functioning Garda station in Laytown that will serve the east coast of County Meath.

Cllr Maria White, who was elected chair of the working group said their goal was to campaign for a fully functioning 24/7 Garda station in Laytown that will serve the residents of Laytown and surrounding areas.

“I look forward to getting to work with our new committee and members of our working group. We are all in firm agreement that unless there is an active and visible campaign for a Garda station, it likely will not come to fruition.

“Our intention is to hold this government to account and ensure that the commitment provided by then Minister for Justice McEntee in 2022 for a Garda station for Laytown is carried out. Our community is growing at a rapid scale, it is essential we are provided the services such as an adequate Garda presence to match this increase.”

Cllr White said it had been almost four years since the then Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, welcomed a commitment for a new Garda station in Laytown.

“Just last month my colleague, Darren O’Rourke TD, received a response from the Minister of State for Public Expenditure, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, who said that the second half of the Capital Development Plan published by the department aims to bring several other capital projects to construction for An Garda Siochana and following the delivery of these projects, the Garda station for Laytown would be progressed.

“This essentially means that the fully functioning Garda station for Laytown has been put on the long finger, and residents in this area are expected to wait for potentially four more years before we see any progress.

“Bettystown, Laytown and surrounding areas are rapidly growing. Naturally, an increase in population brings an increase in demand for local services. It is vital that our communities feel safe.

“A strong Garda presence will not only provide reassurance to members of the community but it will also deter criminal activity in our communities. We will not tire in our efforts until the people of the east coast are provided with a fully functioning Garda station. I would urge anyone who would like to join the working group and help us with this campaign to do so and contact myself or anyone else involved in the group.”