ARMED gardaí are patrolling the streets of Drogheda following an escalation of a gangland feud.
Operation Stratus will see an increased visible police presence, with officers said to be concerned that the planned release from prison of a leading figure linked to one of the gangs could lead to further violence.
A man was shot a number of times in the leg and shoulder in the Co Louth town last Wednesday, with two houses also attacked with petrol bombs over recent days.
The gunmen used a red Volkswagen Golf bearing false registration plates which was later found burnt out in the Sheephouse area of Drogheda.
Describing the “indiscriminate attack” as “callous and reckless”, Superintendent Andrew Watters of Drogheda Garda Station said the broad daylight shooting endangered members of the public and children.
The two gangs have been exchanging tit-for-tat attacks since last July.
The Republic's Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said the small number of dangerous criminals will face the "full force of the law".
"I am acutely conscious of the concerns of the people of Drogheda and I totally condemn the disgraceful criminal behaviour of a small number of violent thugs in Drogheda in recent times," he said.
"I also welcome the allocation of additional gardaí to the Louth Division, most recently last month.
"I want to reassure the community in Drogheda that there is also a specialised regional Armed Support Unit based in Co Louth.
"Members of that unit are highly trained and equipped with a variety of non-lethal and lethal weapons and perform high visibility armed checkpoints and patrols throughout the region.
"The work of local gardaí, where necessary, is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
"My clear message to those engaged in violent crime in Drogheda is that they must stop immediately. They will not get away with their dangerous behaviour."
