Calls have been made for increased armed garda support in Drogheda following five arson attacks over the weekend.
The petrol-bombings were at properties in Ashleigh Heights, Springfield Court, Scarlet Crescent, St Laurence’s Park and Loughboy in Mell.
The escalating gang violence has been labelled as “very grave and serious” by Louth Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd.
Mr O’Dowd said: “The situation is very grave and serious. Death is stalking our streets and innocent victims have suffered too much already.
Drogheda Mayor appeals for peace following petrol bomb attacks and shooting in the town“I have been in urgent contact with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner about this most serious and pressing issue.
“I am seeking an increased presence of the Armed support Unit, 24/7 and the National Emergency Response Unit, the Drugs Unit and more Garda checkpoints particularly at strategic points in our town.
Late-night terror as three houses attacked with 'petrol bombs' in Drogheda, Co Louth“This highly visible presence is urgently required to protect our law-abiding citizens and to apprehend, arrest and convict armed criminal gangs who have recklessly engaged in shooting openly on our streets.”
A 19-reg car was written off and the front of the home where it was parked extensively damaged in one of the incidents early on Sunday. It brought to five the number of attacks since Friday night.
And it follows the shooting of a man in broad daylight on Thursday afternoon as the feud between Travellers and a criminal gang escalates.
Mr O’Dowd added: “They are endangering innocent citizens, including children, one of whom narrowly escaped death or serious injury last Friday in Hardiman’s Gardens, Drogheda.
"Many homes have been petrol bombed and people have also been beaten up with violent attacks in some estates.
“We must not tolerate this and we must show that the Gardai are in charge by providing them with all the resources they have requested, immediately and without any restrictions or equivocation about overtime or patrol cars, etc which would normally apply in a Garda division.”
