Drogheda feud violence
Deputy Imelda Munster raised escalating shootings and petrol-bomb attacks in Drogheda and called for intensified surveillance and intervention. The Taoiseach said he was concerned, noted extra Garda resources, and said deployment decisions were for the Garda Commissioner.
Let it be understood that, although we are dealing with a carryover from yesterday, no one should expect a carryover for tomorrow because we cannot continue in that way. I have a list from the Ceann Comhairle of those being carried over from yesterday. The first Member on the list who is available is Deputy Munster.
Comment on this
The latest attacks in recent days have heightened the sense of fear in communities in Drogheda once again. There was another shooting in a densely populated area in broad daylight. Children who were out playing were forced to run for cover. Two homes were petrol-bombed in retaliation within hours. Another home was attacked last night. I acknowledge that An Garda Síochána has made some arrests in recent weeks but the situation is so serious that the response needs to be stepped up immediately. We need 24-hour surveillance of the key culprits in the feud to curtail their movements. There is every chance that, had that 24-hour surveillance been in place last Thursday, residents of the area would have been spared the horror and the fear caused by criminals attempting to assassinate one another on their doorsteps. Will the Government provide additional resources to enable such 24-hour surveillance to take place and to monitor those involved in the feud to bring this nightmare to an end?
Comment on this
Like everyone in this House, I am very concerned about the situation developing in Drogheda. Additional gardaí and Garda resources have been provided. I ask people to support An Garda Síochána in its work and to provide it with any information they have. I thank An Garda for the excellent job it is doing. Any decisions on the deployment of further resources or 24-hour surveillance are a matter for the Garda Commissioner, as it should be.