Bay Estate residents in Dundalk form neighbourhood watch group

Finding solutions to anti-social behaviour issues in Bay Estate is now the focus of the newly-established neighbourhood watch group, Cllr. Ruairí Ó Murchú says.

The Sinn Féin councillor helped organise a meeting at Scoil Mhuire na nGael on Wednesday where residents and parents of children at the school heard from recently appointed Juvenile Liaison Office Garda Paul Burke about drug taking and drug dealing.

Cllr. Ó Murchú said:

"At the last meeting of this new neighbourhood watch group, it was clear there was interest from parents and residents about having an information meeting with Gardaí and I was very pleased that Garda Burke facilitated this and grateful to Scoil Mhuire na nGael for offering the building to host it.

"It was a very informative meeting where Garda Burke talked in a very direct, accessible way about the drugs and the signs of drug taking and dealing we need to look out for. He also spoke about the dangers of alcohol misuse".

Following the presentation, residents raised a number of issues about drug dealing and anti social behaviour specific to the area and spoke about previous difficulties they had experienced when trying to highlight them to Gardaí and Louth County Council.

Cllr. Ó Murchú said:

"What has happened in the past has happened, but the focus now for the group is about finding solutions to some of the issues raised.

"We are happy to hear that efforts will be made in the coming days to get the stakeholders, including the Gardaí and council officials, around the table to talk about the responses needed.

"This community engagement vehicle has worked in other areas and I am positive that it will provide a good way for residents in Bay Estate to get their concerns aired and dealt with".