Cllr Edel Corrigan
Sinn Féin president and local TD Gerry Adams met with Superintendent Gerry Curley at Dundalk Garda Station last Friday, along with councillors Jim Loughran and Edel Corrigan.
Many issues were discussed at the meeting, including the investigation into the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, the increase in the numbers of burglaries and drug related crimes in the area, as well as cross border policing and community safety.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Corrigan said she was concerned at the number of recent break-ins in the area and urged people to be vigilant to help cut down on this figure in the weeks ahead.
She said: “There appears to an alarming increase in burglaries throughout Dundalk and the surrounding areas. Teachta Adams has submitted a series of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Justice seeking information on this and on available Garda resources in the region.
“A number of the burglaries are believed to be carried out by criminal groups that use the border corridor to their advantage. Many gangs now travel along the main motorway between Dublin and Belfast and target areas like Dundalk as they can quickly escape back onto a main road and be miles away within minutes.
“I would appeal to citizens to be vigilant and ensure their homes and vehicles are secure at all times. I would especially appeal to everyone to look out for those most vulnerable in our communities, particularly our elderly.”
Cllr Loughran reiterated these thoughts but said it was important that Community Text Alert Schemes were rolled out quicker.
He said: “I am disappointed at the lack of progress in respect of the roll out of Community Text Alert Schemes, however I now hope that a better structure can be put in place to help co-ordination between An Garda Síochána and Community Safety Groups. I have asked that quarterly meetings be held between rural community alert groups and Garda representatives similar to those that are already in place for urban areas.
“We discussed the increase of drug-related crimes. Many addicts become involved in crime, particularly theft, in order to feed their addiction. We need more to be done to crack down on the issue of drug dealing in order to prevent further related drug crimes.”
Finally, Deputy Adams appealed for anyone with information on the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe to come forward with it as soon as possible.
He said: “I would once again appeal to anyone with information, however small or apparently insignificant, in respect of the murder of Adrian Donohoe, to bring that forward to the Garda or the PSNI.
“No effort should be spared to bringing those responsible before the courts.”
