17,000 PEOPLE HAVE NO FULL TIME GARDA STATION - Cllr Emer Tóibín and Michael O'Dowd, Aontú Louth
The reality of a population of over 17,000 people not having a full time garda station in one of the fastest growing counties in the country is yet one more damming example of the complete decline in Garda numbers over the term of the government.
Aontú General election candidate in Meath East, Cllr Emer Tóibín and Louth candidate Michael O’Dowd, have made a joint statement calling for immediate action to establish a full-time Garda station in Laytown.
Cllr Tóibín says
“Currently Laytown is a part time station reporting into Ashbourne, which is an incredible 33 KM away. The low Garda numbers have left the communities in the wider coastal area vulnerable, undermining public safety and confidence”
“We currently have no full time garda station to serve the Laytown, Bettystown, Mornington, Stamullen and Gormanstown area, which is a vast area”.
“Recent incidents of vandalism including the burning of a picnic area on Bettystown beach and anti-social behaviour around the area have exposed the urgent need for enhanced local policing resources.”.
For his part, Michael O' Dowd said that the burning of the picnic area was the last straw for a lot of people .
“ I have strong family ties to Bettystown and the safety and security of people and property in the area demands a full time Garda Station”.
“Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington is a growing area, and residents deserve to feel safe and protected in their own community”.
Cllr Tóibín continued
“The government has stated that discussions are ongoing for the provision of a full time Garda station, this delay is unacceptable. Aontú started a petition way back in 2021 calling for a full time Garda station and here we are four years later, still waiting ”.
“This is almost unbelievable, but the facts are stark. Meath, home to the Minister for Justice has to beg for more Gardai as it has the lowest number of Gardai per capita in the country”.
