Gardaí were called to attend a Donegal County Council meeting today in response to a series of “worrying incidents”.
The March meeting of councillors was due to take place at 12noon, but after an early adjournment, it has been postponed until 6th April.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Jack Murray said members of staff said they did not feel physically safe being at the meeting today.
He did not explain the details of the situation, but said gardaí were taking statements on “a number of very worrying incidents.”
Addressing the council, Cllr Murray said: “It’s evident to me through discussions with a number of members of staff and a number of elected representatives that people don’t feel safe here today because of what has happened.
“As Cathaoirleach, I have a duty of care to ensure that people do feel safe and this is a safe workplace where people can carry out their business. At this point unfortunately that hasn’t happened. I feel compelled and I have no other option but to adjourn this meeting yet again until Wednesday, April 6 as the matter remains with the gardaí.
“I want to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone here to apologise to the people of Donegal for what has happened again.
“There are people whose homes are falling down, people with Mica and I realise right now that those people will be extremely angry and extremely let down by this council. I fully share that frustration.
“Unfortunately when people come to these meetings and do not feel safe I cannot allow that to continue. We need to reach a position where people can feel safe in here, can carry out their elected duties, their duties as staff as well as elected members and I think we will have to work to that point,” he added.
Cllr Murray said he hoped that gardaí would thoroughly deal with the matter before councillors resume their meeting next week.
