Cross-border policing on the Old Dublin Road at Carrickcarnan has been stepped up in a renewed push to shut down dangerous “boy racer” gatherings that locals say have blighted the area for more than a decade.
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins spoke out after a joint meeting involving herself, Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes, Louth TD Ruairí O’Murchu and councillors Cathal King and Antoin Watters with senior officers from both the PSNI and An Garda Síochána.
She said the message from the community in Killean and Edentubber was clear: the late-night car meets and reckless driving have to stop.
“For many years Sinn Féin has been working with the local community, businesses, the PSNI and An Garda Síochána to put an end to this reckless behaviour which has tormented the people of Killean and Edentubber for far too long,” the Newry and Armagh MLA said.
“Big crowds of so-called ‘boy racers’ have been meeting for over 10 years at this spot, blocking the road, putting other road users at risk, impacting local businesses and causing annoyance and disturbance for local residents. This is totally unacceptable.”
Kimmins welcomed what she described as visible partnership working between police services on both sides of the border – cooperation she wants to see “continued and enhanced” as operations ramp up.
As well as enforcement, she confirmed that physical changes to the road layout are now firmly on the table in a bid to make the notorious stretch less attractive for dangerous driving.
“We are also exploring other physical measures which could improve road safety on the Old Dublin Road. Roads officials from Louth County Council and the Department for Infrastructure are considering options which may be beneficial,” she said.
“The local community simply wants this to end. My Sinn Féin colleagues and I will continue to support them until a permanent solution is found.”
Liz Kimmins and Daire Hughes
