Concerns over diffing events on the outskirts of Letterkenny have prompted a call for greater surveillance and regulation.
The car events are said to be taking place more regularly and disturbing residents in parts of Letterkenny and Manorcunningham.
Donegal County Council is being urged to examine what regulation or bye laws can be enforced to ensure safety controls are in place.
Cllr Gerry McMonagle raised a motion on the matter to the Letterkenny-Milford MD on Tuesday: “There is a lot of noise, smoke, smell, and increased traffic coming from these types of events, “ he said.
“Myself and a lot of the residents are concerned in relation to how well regulated these events are. I’m not trying to stop these events but I think that if they are carried out they should be regulated to a high level.
“People who live close by should be given an opportunity to raise their concerns and protest if necessary.”
Cllr McMonagle, who is chair of the Joint Policing Committee, has called meetings to examine ways to work with the event operators.
“These events are coming nearly monthly now, at one time it was just associated with the weekend of rally, now it’s almost a monthly occurrence and there’s a knock on effect to Letterkenny town, and indeed to the retailers and businesses.
“There was one advertised for January around Bonagee, we currently have the Four Lane works, and I know if they are to continue they need to ensure everybody is safe, that all the necessary regulation around the environment, noise, pollution and access should be adhered to.
“I would imagine it’s a dangerous escapade, you have cars and large crowds around it, and I don’t know how well it is secured or staffed and legislated for.”
Cllr Donal Coyle added that residents in the Manorcunningham area have raised a number of issues with the common occurrence in their area.
“Diffying is something that has become very popular with a lot of young drivers, I think because it’s a lot cheaper than rallying and they see it as an enjoyable sport,” Cllr Coyle said.
Cllr Coyle has called on the executive to advise councils on who they should contact to learn about the relevant regulations at play.
“It wouldn’t be for me myself, definitely not, but for young people, if that’s what they want to do, it has to be done in a supervised and regulated way,” he said.
Liam Ward – Director of Services responded to say there is a role for planning, environment, and for an Garda Siochana to engage with organisers to deal with the issues.
“In the past we have sought to engage directly with the people organising these events, I think that is something that we should continue to seek to do,” Mr Ward said.
