by Louise Doyle

BUSINESS owners in Letterkenny are calling for a greater response in tackling drug-related issues locally.

The call comes as Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce is to hold a meeting this week with gardaí in the wake of two incidents in the town.

The daytime episodes were captured on video and shared widely on social media last week.

In one video, three men can be seen emerging from a car and attacking another vehicle parked in the Lower Main Street area on Wednesday of last week.

The driver of the second car manages to get away from the scene, but only after mounting a footpath and colliding with another vehicle.

In another incident at Lower Main Street, close to the taxi rank, three men appear to approach another man who subsequently strikes out at one of them with what appears to be a knife.

In our Thursday edition last week, we spoke with Councillor Gerry McMonagle, who said he believed the incidents were drug-related. Cllr McMonagle had revealed how he is aware of families in Letterkenny who are under threat over drug debts.

The article prompted a response from one reader, who wrote: “Drug related? And the colour of skin caught on camera of the antagonists means nothing?”

Speaking to the Donegal News, business owners, who wished to remain anonymous, voiced their concern about the incidents, and have called for greater garda visibility. However, they also pointed out that they are also concerned by a particular emerging narrative.

“To be quite honest, it was a very frightening thing. Looking at the video you could say that anyone on the footpath was in danger of their life.

“The drug trade is taking over most of the activities in Letterkenny. It is so obvious it is happening but not enough is being done about it.”

The business owner, who has been operating for four decades, said: “Both incidents were very frightening. It’s not just an immigration issue, it is locals too. It is drug orientated, it has to be.”

Another business owner expressed her concern over the reporting of the incidents by some media outlets, which, she believes is giving rise to far right extremist views.

The woman said the incidents have given a platform to a perception that is not accurate.

“The response to Cllr McMonagle’s comments was so frightening. People are being led at the minute, and that is going to be far worse in this town than those incidents.

“I was away at the weekend and when I told people I was from Letterkenny, they said how it was a terrible place. The far right will be delighted to hear this, and our town is getting slated for no reason.”

Letterkenny Chamber President Jimmy Stafford said concerns voiced by Chamber members are being taken very seriously.

“We have a scheduled meeting with gardaí this week to highlight what our members are telling us around visibility of gardaí, and of their concerns.

“The Chamber represents the town, and we advocate for the Main Street really strongly. Some of our members there are active board members.

In any town, the Main Street is the heart of the community. For me, it’s about people feeling safe to come to shop on the Main Street. The visibility of gardaí is key to that.

“Our role is to advocate for our members, and our members have been saying they are concerned about anti social behaviour, and what we can do as a society to quell it.

“Our goal is to ensure that Letterkenny remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming town for businesses, residents, employees and visitors.

“Over the past number of years the Chamber has consistently raised the issue of the lack of Garda resourcing in Letterkenny, advocating for increased visibility, foot patrols, and community policing. Garda resources are also included in our pre-budget submission in terms of Town Centre regeneration.

Mr Stafford said recent weekends in Letterkenny saw a high number of profile events, which drew large crowds and created a fantastic atmosphere.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s clear that these events play an important role in making Letterkenny an appealing place to visit and spend time.”