Sinn Fein in Co Donegal have met with Garda Chief Superintendent Jim Sheridan in relation to a number of issues of concern to people of the county.
And the deputation which included Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Letterkenny Mayor, Cllr Gerry McMonagle and Cllr Jack Murray say they are pleased with the assurances they received.
Among the issues raised include:
· Status of Inishowen’s Drugs Task Force
· Violent Crime
· Burglaries
· Cross-border crime
· Garda morale
· Station Closures
· Recruitment embargo
· Speed camera locations
· Community co-operation with Gardaí
Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said they had a duty to ensure that the concerns of our communities are addressed and to facilitate maximum co-operation between An Garda Síochana and the people of Donegal.
“Our meeting with Chief Superintendent Jim Sheridan was very constructive and I welcome the assurances we received on a number of the issues raised.”
Cllr Murray agreed saying “I raised concerns within the Inishowen community relating to the status of the Drugs Task Force in the peninsula. Given the recent actions of self appointed vigilante groups in Inishowen it is vital that this section is not diluted in anyway.
“Thankfully the Chief Superintendent assured me that the unit would not be reduced in any way and that the Gardaí will lead the way in tackling drugs in Inishowen and across Donegal.
“I also raised concerns regarding the locations of speed vans in the peninsula. While I welcome the huge reduction in road fatalities in recent times, there are concerns that some speed vans are becoming a revenue raising mechanism. Many are situated at locations where there has never been an accident.
“Again, I welcome assurances that this matter will be looked into and addressed.”
And Mayor Gerry McMonagle welcomed assurances he received in relation to crime in Letterkenny.
“I highlighted a number of concerns in relation to crime by a small element in Letterkenny, the apprehension it brings to our communities and the effect it can have on tourism. I also pressed for known criminals to be taken off our streets without delay.
“I welcome that these concerns have been taken on board and that all measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the community in Letterkenny.
“Sinn Féin will continue to regularly engage with An Garda Síochana to ensure that all these concerns are followed up on.”