Donegal Sinn Féín TDs Deputy Pearse Doherty and Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn have again raised concerns about the changing of the Donegal Garda Divisional Boundaries.
The Garda Commissioner is currently carrying out a review of the proposed new Garda Policing model.
The changes would see Donegal amalgamated with Sligo and Leitrim to create one “North West Garda Division”.
Deputy Doherty said “There are grave concerns regarding the changing of the Garda Divisional boundaries in the North West. It is imperative that Donegal remain a stand-alone Garda division given the challenges that the Gardaí face in our county.
“This has been made even more apparent given the criminality that our county has witnessed in recent months.
“Even before this, there were already significant challenges facing Gardaí in Donegal. We are a large rural landmass and have a number of ports and islands that present significant difficulties in policing. We also have a Gaeltacht area that requires distinct considerations.
“Furthermore, almost our entire border is shared with a separate jurisdiction and Donegal borders Derry City; the fourth largest city on this island.”
He was supported by Deputy Mac Lochlainn who confirmed both himself and Deputy Doherty had written to the Garda Commissioner in support of the retention of Donegal as a stand-alone Garda Division.
He said “The Garda Commissioner’s proposals to change the boundaries have already been rejected by the Donegal Joint Policing Committee.
“Resulting from a motion put forward by Sinn Féin Councillor and chair of the Donegal Joint Policing Committee, Gerry McMonagle, Donegal County Council have also written to Commissioner Harris outlining their concerns.
“Rank-and-file Gardaí in Donegal are already stretched to the limit.
“The Commissioner must listen to the people of Donegal. The proposal must be scrapped and Donegal needs to be retained as a stand-alone Garda division.”
