Call for zero-tolerance approach with tenants engaged in violent criminality in Louth

Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne has called for a zero-tolerance approach from Louth County Council and Approved Housing Bodies if their tenants are engaged in violent criminality. 

Deputy Byrne made the call after the recent arson attack on the George Street IPAS centre and after a Drogheda resident was arrested in connection with a planned bomb attack on a Galway Mosque. 

Deputy Byrne said “The hard learned lessons from the feud must not be forgotten. 

“The good people of Drogheda must be protected from violent criminals living in their midst. The council and AHBs , have obligations and responsibilities, which include estate management and dealing with and responding to allegations of anti-social behaviour of all types in their units. That means removing thugs who have been arrested in connection with violent crimes. 

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“One of the people arrested in connection with the George Street arson attack had been illegally occupying a council property for years. He was given one week to quit the property several months ago, but the notice was not acted upon, and that person was still in the council property the night of the attack. 

“Media reports gave the address of an AHB property in Drogheda, for one of the people  arrested in Laois, who planned a bomb attack on a mosque in Galway. 

“I have contacted Louth County Council and the AHB to express my concern on this matter, and I will continue to follow up on it until the neighbours of these people can feel secure in their own homes."