SHOULD security audits be carried out on planning applications to reduce the level of crime? Where are the community Gardai and why are Garda members not using the pedal power provided in new patrols? Why has an ASBO not been served yet?
These are a few of the questions Donegal County Councillors are hoping to put to Garda Chief Superintendent Terri McGinn when they invite her to meet with them and the press.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of Donegal County Council, Councillor Francis Conaghan requested that the Council make submissions to the latest Garda review.
"As a planning authority we are allowing thousands of houses to go up, particularly in border areas like Muff, Burnfoot and Bridgend. Are we engaging enough with Gardai about the design of these estates and how we're creating these communities," he asked.
"We have a ridiculous situation in Carrigans where the Garda barracks was actually broken into in a border area and in Newtowncunningham and there's still no Garda Sergeant. Apart from the annual meeting with Chief Supt Terri McGinn what's being done to progress matters," challenged Cllr Conagahan.
Cllr Conagahan criticised current policing tactics which saw a heavy Garda presence operating weekly speed checks on Newtown main street but no community policing in an area which has expanded rapidly in recent years.
Cllr Terence Slowey suggested that the Planning Authority could incorporate security audits when deciding on the development of apartment blocks.
"The Council are currently doing a disabled audit but perhaps we should also be carrying out a security audit to ensure buildings don't entice anti-social behaviour."
Cllr Dessie Larkin said Garda morale was at an all time low and the Council should be looking at how they can address these issues.
"If we only saw what Gardai deal with at nights in any provincial town at night it is no wonder the morale in the force is low. The Drug Squad, a very important unit, has had no Sergeant for a long time. Community Gardai in Letterkenny is supposed to be five-strong but is sitting at one Garda at the minute. How can one person patrol the whole of Letterkenny? It's bound to be a drain on his resources and morale."
"We need to look at what the procedure was in Carrigans Garda Station. What was the procedure in Castlefin Garda Station when the school and church across the road was vandalised? We need to identify these areas and strengthen resources," said Cllr Larkin.
ASBO
He asked why an ASBO, (Anti Social Behaviour Order) not been served yet?
"Like them or not the power is available to Gardai and questions must be asked as to why its not being exercised," said Cllr Larkin.
Cllr Ian McGarvey pointed out that the only day the bicycle patrol for the Milford area was used this year was when President Mary McAleese visited Rathmullan for the launch of the Flight of the Earls. He said it was most important Gardai lived in the communities they served and important to liaise with the locals.
"Most violence in Donegal happens at weekends when people are drink driving, drunk and brawling on our streets. We need extra man power to serve the community. We as public representatives would not be serving the public well if we neglect what is going on in our towns and villages on a weekly basis," he said.
Cllr Bernard McGuinness called for another meeting with Chief Supt McGinn and council members. "As councillors we are changing the landscape of the county. Holiday homes and vacant houses are being trashed in areas of scarce population, particularly in Inishowen," he said.
Cllr David Alcorn criticised Garda speed traps set up in West Donegal designed to trap people rushing to work in the mornings.
"These people are not the real offenders on our roads. They're not the dangerous drivers Gardai should be spending their time on," he said. Cllr Alcorn said bigger towns are more attractive to Garda members than Gaeltacht areas to live but the community was better served by members living locally.
Cllr Conaghan supported a public meeting between the Council members and Chief Supt McGinn but warned that it should not be a public relations exercise but an open meeting to discuss responsibilities.
"If we're not living up to our responsibility then the Gardai should come tell us about it," he said.
