A senior garda in Co Monaghan said armed officers would be placed alongside members of the force at all checkpoints in that area in the lead-up to Christmas and the New Year.
Supt Tom Long, Carrickmacross, who implemented the plan, said these measures were being taken to combat armed gangs who have carried out a number of raids in the region this year. Supt Long said the armed units would continue around-the-clock at all checkpoints until "these violent gangs who come from outside the area are apprehended".
Petrol stations, supermarkets and the private homes have been targeted in the south Monaghan area in recent months. Although many were presumed to be from the North, garda∅ believe Dublin criminals have also been active in the region.
