Drug intimidation ‘holding whole estates to ransom’, warns Louth councillor
Drug dealing and intimidation are “holding whole estates to ransom” in parts of Louth, a local councillor has warned, as he urged the local authority to pilot targeted interventions in the worst‑affected areas.
Speaking at the latest meeting of Louth County Council, Cllr Pio Smith called for an update on the council’s new Anti‑Social Behaviour Strategy, which is currently being drafted.
He said several communities across the county were struggling with persistent and serious anti‑social behaviour.
“Basically there is a small cohort who are holding the whole estate to ransom,” Cllr Smith said, describing widespread drug dealing and intimidation in certain neighbourhoods. He called for a coordinated response involving both the council and An Garda Síochána to “root out the anti‑social behaviour that is making the lives of many residents very difficult.”
He suggested that a pilot scheme be run in areas experiencing “significant anti‑social behaviour”, adding that the council’s Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) could examine a more structured, designated approach in the estates most affected.
Cllr. Kevin Meenan added that the level of anti-social behaviour “particularly within our own housing stock is definitely at a peak.”
One of the most worrying elements is drug dealing, he said, “drug dealing from houses which causes drug traffic up and down the street.”
“You have houses being broken into on the back of that as well. Drug debt and intimidation is a huge worry for communities who are facing it on a daily basis.”
Cllr. Anne Marie Ford said tackling anti-social behaviour “must be a priority” adding that “the longer it goes on, the more embedded it becomes within some communities.”
Responding, Ger Murphy, Director of Service, said work on the new Anti‑Social Behaviour Strategy was well under way.
He told councillors they would be invited to participate in a consultation process and kept informed as the strategy progresses. Suggestions on how to tackle the issues – including Cllr Smith’s pilot‑scheme proposal – would be welcomed, he said.
Mr Murphy added that the newly formed Tenant Forum, which met for the first time last week, would also play a role in shaping the forthcoming strategy.