The deputy mayor of Drogheda says people in the town 'won't stand idly by anymore' amid continuing violence in the Co Louth town.
It comes in the wake of the murder of local teenager Keane Mulready-Woods, whose remains were found in a sports bag in Dublin on Monday night.
People in Drogheda are to rally against the ongoing gangland feud in the town during a demonstration on Saturday 25th January.
Deputy mayor Michelle Hall spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about the planned rally and the current feeling in the town.
She explained: "We're calling on our citizens to rally because we're shocked and saddened by the level of violence and brutality that was carried out in the murder of a young boy, Keane Mulready-Woods.
"We are mad. The people of Drogheda are mad.
"We're mad at the thugs that have given the wonderful historic town of Drogheda a name synonymous with drugs and crime.
"We're mad at the lack of judicial and political will that leaves Drogheda at the mercy of a tiny group of people.
"We won't stand idly by anymore - and we will be heard by those in authority in Dublin and in the judicial system."
She said that turnout at a previous demonstration was good but that some people "were afraid to come out".
Ms Hall observed: "The people of Drogheda have reached a threshold now - that line has been crossed. People are extremely mad and shocked that a youth has been murdered in this way.
"I think is going to be a catalyst that the people of Drogheda are going to come together, and really stand with the parents and with the family of Keane Mulready-Woods to say 'we understand your pain... it's really upsetting for everyone'.
"We want our voices to be heard."
The Labour politician added that Drogheda has been "left behind", and that investment and jobs in the town are needed.
She suggested that a generation of children have come from an area of "really high deprivation".
She argued: "We need to break that cycle... political will is what we need to bring Drogheda back to the great place it should be".
The rally will take place on Saturday 25th January at 2 pm in Drogheda town centre.
