Commissioner confirms need for new East Meath station

A NEW garda station to cater for the growing east Meath population appears to be finally on the cards with confirmation that the much needed facility has been included in the Garda Capital Investment Programme 2023-2030.

While no timeframe has been given on when a new garda station would be delivered, it is the first time that the provision of a brand new station for the area has been included in the Garda Siochana's capital programme.

In correspondence to Louth and East Meath TD Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, the Commissioner's Office stated that the need for a new Garda station has been established due to significant population growth in the south Drogheda area of East Meath, which is serviced by Laytown Garda Station.

It noted that "the existing Laytown Garda Station is on a limited site in a residential area and does not have the capacity to accommodate the increased resources required to police the area".

"The existing site is used to its fullest extent and An Garda Siochana will require a new site in Laytown," the letter stated.

The letter adds the OPW has been instructed to seek either a new site to develop a new station or a suitable premises found to be redeveloped as a station.

"The response details the exceptional growth in the East Meath area, which they have projected at 50,000 people, which clearly shows the need for an expansion in both facilities and personnel.

“Another significant issue I raised at our latest meeting in November, was the ongoing boundary anomalies that continue to impact areas of Drogheda that straddle both Louth and Meath divisions. The Commissioner’s office has confirmed that both the Louth and Meath divisional officers have established a boundary alignment implementation team to progress critical enablers such as changes to PULSE and Command and Control elements.

“Whilst a significant amount of progress is being made I will continue to engage directly with Commissioner Harris and his team to ensure we continue to see greater Garda resources being delivered in the East Meath area.”