GARDA COMMISSIONER Fachtna Murphy has announced the establishment of two new Garda divisions for counties Louth and Meath.
The counties have until now been policed within one Louth-Meath Garda division. The two new divisions officially begin operating on Monday.
The change is part of a wider programme of reform aimed at bringing Garda divisions more closely into line with local authority divisions. The decision to reform the boundaries comes at a time when joint policing committees have been established.
These involve Garda representatives and officials from local authorities working with members of the public and other stakeholders to address policing problems in particular areas.
Under existing Garda divisional boundaries many divisions cover two counties, meaning co-operation between gardaí and local authorities can be more difficult.
The Wexford-Wicklow division has already been separated into two county divisions.
Mr Murphy said that as part of the overall programme of reform one assistant commissioner, Derek Byrne, will have responsibility for policing in the entire Border area, aiming to streamline co-operation with the PSNI.
“This will further enhance the strong co-operation that already exists between our two police services as we work together to protect our communities,” he said.
Under the new Louth division, the office of Chief Supt Patrick McGee will remain at Drogheda Garda station. There will be superintendents based in Drogheda and Dundalk stations.
In the new Meath division the office of Chief Supt Pádraig Rattigan will be located at Athlumney House, Johnstown, Navan. Superintendents’ offices will be located at stations in Navan, Ashbourne, Trim and Kells.
The public have been informed of the changes via public meetings, local media, and residential and business leaflet drops.
Project boards led by local chief superintendents have been established in a number of other Garda divisions to prepare for the launch of new divisional boundaries there in the months ahead. These areas include: Waterford-Kilkenny; Carlow-Kildare; Longford-Westmeath; Cavan-Monaghan; Cork North; Roscommon-Galway East; Sligo and Galway West.