Ó Murchú raises 'unworkable' proposed Garda operational model for Louth in Dáil

The "unworkable" policing model, which proposes to join the Louth Garda Division with the Cavan-Monaghan Division, was raised in Leinster House today by Louth Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú.

On the first day back in the Dáil, the Dundalk deputy raised the issue of the proposed new Garda operational model under Questions on Promised Legislation.

Deputy Ó Murchú raised the issue at the public Joint Policing Committee meeting in Ardee on Tuesday night and says he intends to raise it again at tonight’s JPC meeting in Dundalk.

Speaking in Leinster House, Deputy Ó Murchú said: "I want to raise the issue of the proposed new Garda operational model which would see the Louth division join with Cavan and Monaghan. It is not workable, it is far too big. Look at the crime stats in Louth. Look at the towns of Dundalk and Drogheda.

"In Dundalk recently, three Gardaí were injured when a stolen car rammed into them in an incident. I don’t have to tell anyone about the incidents that happened in Drogheda during the feud. So I do not think in any shape or form that this is operational.

"I am calling that there be engagement with the minister from a point of view of stalling, reviewing and overturning as has happened when there was an attempt for Donegal to be put with Sligo-Leitrim. This would be one of the few three-county models and it is in no way workable. 

The Sinn Féin TD added: "That’s happening in December. At the same time, on November 6, we are going to lose Gardaí from community policing and the drugs if the new rostering proposals go ahead. 

"None of this is good enough; none of this is workable, so we need there to be government engagement to ensure that we provide the Gardaí with the resources to provide a fit-for-purpose service for the people."