Pat the Cope Gallagher has called on Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald T.D. to restore Garda numbers in Donegal to 2010 levels after figures released from the Department of Justice revealed that the number of Gardai in Donegal dropped from 466 in 2010 to 392 in 2015.
That shows a decline of 16% in garda numbers over the five year period – with 74 less Gardai stationed within the county.
That is 74 less Gardai working within our communities, towns, villages and Parishes at a time when the Gardai are under growing pressures from increasing crime and violence.
Commenting on the Department of Justice figures Deputy Gallagher said that many of our communities feel vulnerable and uneasy due to the decrease in Garda numbers, with many rural Garda Barracks closed and the under resourcing of Gardai – with garda vehicles aged or non existent all of this has lead to an environment of fear and unease in many areas across Donegal.
“Rural communities feel isolated and neglected in terms of security, with many areas unable to access Gardai due to the Gardai numbers being stretched to beyond breaking point.”
He called on the Minister of Justice to prioritise rural and community policing in attempt to strengthen security of rural communities.
He further stated that some of the Garda Barracks closures would have to be relooked at, in addition to the divisional Station at Glenties must be reopened.
“The resourcing of the Gardai within Donegal must be reviewed also, with many areas either sharing Garda cars or using Garda cars which are near the end of usage cycle.”
Pat the Cope in conclusion stated security of our communities and citizens is something we can not take for granted, in the times we live in no area is isolated from crime.
“It will require additional resources, additional garda numbers and an overall commitment to support the Gardai in the duty to protect the community,” he said.
He called on the Minister for Justice to set in place a plan to reverse the decline in the number of Gardai serving within county Donegal and to restore Garda numbers to 2010 levels within a 3 year period and to commit additional funding to better resourcing current serving Gardai within the county.
