Residents in Glenties are concerned that there may be plans to downgrade or even close the local Garda station.
A meeting held in the town last night heard concerns about a possible proposal to remove the District Headquarters status from Glenties.
Local TD Pearse Doherty said he is very concerned by the speculation.
He said “There is speculation that a Report by the Garda Commissioner, due to be presented to the Minister for Justice in the near future, may contain a proposal to remove the District Headquarters status from Glenties Garda Station.
“It is speculated that the proposal may split the Glenties Garda District in two with the Headquarters for the region to be divided between Milford and Ballyshannon.
There is currently approximately 30 to 40 staff based in Glenties Garda Station, which is the District Headquarters for much of rural west Donegal.
A proposal such as this would have a considerable impact on the region with a significant number of full–time jobs to leave the area.
The Sinn Fein Deputy also said such a plan would badly affect responce times to any serious criminal incidents in West Donegal.
“I have spoken with members of the Glenties Community Action Group on Monday, and they are highly concerned that such a proposal may be under consideration for the town. They feel that it would have huge consequences for the safety and the economy of the region.
“I am angry, that once again, the Government is contemplating a proposal which goes to the heart of rural Ireland.
“This area of west Donegal is yet again in fear that another decision will be made in Dublin, to cut a vital service, without a thought to the impact on the Community. When will it stop?” he asked.
He added that he was now calling on the Garda Commissioner to clarify the proposals in relation to the Glenties Garda Station.
“In writing his report, I would also ask him to fully consider the impact of removing the District Headquarters from Glenties, particularly in terms of providing an adequate Garda service to this region.”
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