Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty has this week demanded an explanation from both the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner over the ongoing unavailability of a dedicated Garda patrol car based at Bunbeg Garda Station.
Deputy Doherty’s comments come following mounting criticism and concerns from the local community owing to reports suggesting that the station has been without the use of a patrol car since early January.
It’s believed that the station’s previous patrol car was retired following a road traffic collision.
Deputy Doherty said “Following growing anger and concerns amongst the local community here in Bunbeg at the continued unavailability of a Garda patrol vehicle based at the station, I’ve this week written to both the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan, and the Garda Commissioner seeking an urgent explanation for the apparent lack of progress which has been made to allocate a replacement Garda car to Bunbeg Garda station.
“I have also written a letter to the Chief Superintendent here in Donegal concerning this matter and I’ve asked, as well as providing clarification in respect of reports that the station has been without a patrol car since the New Year, that a timeframe is now provided as to when it’s anticipated that a replacement Garda car will be assigned to Bunbeg.
“Obviously, should it be the case that the station has been without a dedicated Garda car since the start of the year, then this raises very serious questions of both the Garda authorities and the Government over their failure to ensure that the station is equipped with, what ought to be considered, the very basic resources which Gardaí need in order to protect and safeguard the local community here in Bunbeg.
“While I await a formal response from them, I have also tabled a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Justice in which I ask that he provide clear information in relation to all the dates on which no Garda patrol car was available at Bunbeg Garda station, and when he expects a replacement car to be deployed.
“Clearly, those responsible for ensuring that our communities are kept safe and that the Gardaí are provided with the equipment they need to police effectively must be held to account, and I intend to do just that by getting answers to these questions on behalf of local residents.”
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