Gardai and politicians meet over robberies
SENIOR members of Dundalk Gardai have met with politicians to discuss concerns about robberies that are believed to have been carried out by cross border gangs.
Louth TD Gerry Adams, as well as Sinn Fein MP Conor Murphy and Councillor Jim Loughran spoke to senior officers including Superintendent Gerard Curley last week and described the meeting, at Dundalk Garda station, as 'very useful and informative'.
Superintendent Curley said the meeting with Sinn Fein was one of a number held by Dundalk officers with representatives from various parties and communities on a wide range of topics.
Mr Adams said the meeting was arranged at his request and issues including the drugs trade, burglaries, the visibility of Gardai in some localities and the activities of cross border gangs were discussed.
In addition, Garda resources and capacity, as well as co-operation with the PSNI, were also discussed. Mr Adams said: 'There is a particular concern in border communities at the ability of gangs to engage in criminality in the north and then escape to the south and vice versa. This is a serious problem which needs a joined up approach by both police services.
'The issue of human trafficking and enforced prostitution was also discussed.
'This is a growing problem at European level but also in Ireland and it requires an island-wide response'.
Superintendent Curley said there was 'good liaison' between the PSNI and Gardai. He said: 'Community alert programmes play a key role and we have a good liaison with them throughout the district'.
- ANNE CAMPBELL
