Sinn Féin TD for Louth and East Meath Imelda Munster has condemned the murder of a man in Bettystown last night.

Deputy Munster has called on the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to commit to secure the continuation of funding, which has run out as of November 4th.

Deputy Munster said:

“This is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Drogheda and East Meath in the last year or so.

“What is crystal clear is that this feud is ongoing and is nowhere near being stamped out.

“It was another night of heightened fear and terror for people living locally.

“Just yesterday I attended the Drogheda Joint Policing Committee meeting, where serious concerns were raised about the fact that the funding for the ongoing Garda operations to tackle this feud has run out.

“We are in the height of a drug gang feud and the budget is gone.

“The Gardaí desperately need the continuation of this funding if they are to bring an end to the drug dealing, attacks and shootings that are continuing to plague the area.

“The Gardaí have made inroads, but without the funding and additional specialised units in Drogheda this feud is set to continue with the potential of it escalating, and all of the investigative work done thus far will be for nothing.

“This week the Gardaí will be sending in an application seeking a commitment from the Garda Commissioner to secure the continuation of this funding.

“The ramifications of not securing the funding are obvious.

“The Minister for Justice also needs to ensure that the Garda Commissioner recognises that without this funding the violence will be ongoing, and ordinary people going about their daily business will continue to have their rights to live without fear denied.

“There is an onus on the government and the Garda Commissioner to ensure this funding is secured as a matter of urgency.”