Frustration as wait goes on for new garda station in Ramelton

By Chris Ashmore

PROPERTY that was leased more than two years ago for use as a new garda station in Ramelton is still lying idle – and with no timeline for it to be open to the public.

This is despite the fact that there have been growing calls for a greater garda presence in the area.

According to local Cllr. Pauric McGarvey there is growing frustration about crime in the area at a time when garda resources are under considerable pressure.

He pointed out that garda stations in Ramelton and Rathmullan have closed and a Kerrykeel garda is working out of Milford station while Carrigart is very stretched.

In March 2023, Deputy Charlie McConalogue (who was Agriculture Minister at the time) disclosed that the Office of Public Works had confirmed to him that a new premises had been leased for Ramelton Garda station at Castle Street in the Lennonside town.

The old disused Garda Station on The Mall in Ramelton.

Now, two years on, Cllr. McGarvey has questioned the expenditure of taxpayers’ money on the renovations and with no sign of any reopening.

In response to a query this week from the Donegal News, the OPW stated: “Garda Estate Management has been reviewing accommodation options for County Donegal in parallel with the introduction of the Operating Model in the Division.

“Ramelton is one of a number of locations which have been under consideration. A final decision on the proposed works to be carried out, along with a timeline has yet to be agreed. Discussions are ongoing between the OPW and Local Garda Management in Donegal.”

Speaking at the May meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council, Cllr. McGarvey stressed the need for a garda station in the busy town of Ramelton, and he recalled the days when there were three or four gardaí based in the town.

The old garda station was on The Mall near Whoriskey’s Shop, but like many others around the county was closed in the past 15 years.

Cllr. McGarvey praised the fact that a garda had been based in Rathmullan last summer and he felt this had been a very positive development.

“We need to look at having a member there full-time,” he added.

Regarding a new policing model, he expressed concern that the “new areas are not going to work” and that “we cannot forget about our rural towns”.

A motion from Cllr. McGarvey calling on the Council to write to the Garda Chief Superintendent to express the urgent concerns and need to have a full time member in rural villages and closed stations, was passed.

Cllr. Liam Blaney, who seconded the motion, said that there are now only four garda stations in the Milford Electoral Area, and on most days there is no garda presence in the Kerrykeel Garda Station despite the money spent on it.

“We need a presence daily in all the garda stations,” he maintained.

Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere