NONE of the new batch of Garda recruits will be deployed in Donegal.
145 new Gardaí – 119 males and 26 females – graduated from Templemore Training College last month, but none of the new recruits will be stationed in Donegal.
The news has been criticised by Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher.
The number of Garda within Donegal in 2009 stood at 488 , but as of 31st of August 2016 only 387 Gardaí served within the county – a decline of 101 officers.
“It is further testament of the neglect and decline of rural Ireland under this Government that no priority is given to increasing Garda presence within Donegal,” Deputy Gallagher said.
“If we are to restore the compliment of Gardaí within the county then serious effort has to be made by the Government in providing newly recruited Gardaí to rural counties such as Donegal.
“It defies logic in light of the statistics which show a 21 per cent decline in Garda numbers as to why the Senior Garda Management in Garda Headquarters and the Government have again failed to provide additional Gardaí for Donegal.
“Many communities are expressing sheer frustration and annoyance at the decline of Garda presence in their respective areas.
“The Gardaí currently serving within the county are providing an excellent service – it is impossible for them to provide a service equivalent for a force that once was 21 per cent larger in number.
“I am challenging the Government to prioritise Donegal, to increase Garda numbers in Donegal and for once to stop their policy of rural neglect and provide rural communities with the safety and security of increased Garda numbers added Pat the Cope.
“There is no excuse for the Government in failing to increase Garda numbers in Donegal.
“It is time that Department of Justice remembered where Donegal is located when extra Gardaí are being allocated.
“The Government need to put in place a three-year rolling programme whereby Garda numbers will be restored within Donegal to creditable and pre-existing levels as the current Garda numbers within the Division are grossly inadequate.”
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