Tenants in Louth being 'held to ransom' by anti-social behaviour

Labour Councillor Pio Smith said residents "can’t live in peace in their own homes"

Published 30th Mar 2026, 20:00 BST Labour Councillor Pio Smith said residents "can’t live in peace in their own homes" Sign up to our Louth Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Louth Live within your account.

Tenants in some housing estates across Louth are being "held to ransom" by antisocial behaviour.

Labour councillor Pio Smith told the March meeting of Louth County Council that the issue is leaving residents unable to "live in peace in their own homes".

"There is a small cohort of people in some housing estates who are holding the rest of the estates to ransom in regards to the behaviour that’s going on, drug dealing and intimidation."

"But it’s definitely reaching proportions where people can’t live in peace in their own homes," he said.

It comes as Louth County Council has launched its new tenant engagement strategy to tackle antisocial behaviour across the county.

Cllr Smith questioned if certain areas could be used as a "pilot study" to see if the issue could be addressed.

He suggested co-ordinated approach effort with An Garda Siochána, Louth County Council and "residents that might come forward".

Ger Murphy, Director of Services with Louth County Council said the local authority's new strategy is to act in a "more proactive way rather than continuously reactive".

Louth County Council recently hosted its first tenant engagement forum in Drogheda.

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Speaking after the inaugural meeting, Mr Murphy said the forum shows the local authority's commitment to open, responsive, and tenant focused services.

"By bringing tenants, community partners, and Council staff together, we can tackle challenges more effectively, improve quality of life and strengthen communities.

I want to thank all participants for their positive engagement so far, and I look forward to working with the Forum as we develop and roll out the new Tenant Engagement and Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy.”

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