GARDA Commissioner Drew Harris is to visit Donegal in the coming weeks amid growing concerns facing the force locally.
Garda Commissioner Harris has confirmed he will meet with Donegal Joint Policing Committee (JPC) members on January 16.
Although the venue has yet to be confirmed, the meeting will more than likely take place in County House Lifford.
Garda Commissioner Harris has been to the county previously, most recently to pay his respects following the Creeslough tragedy in October, but next month’s meeting will be the first time he will meet with members of Donegal JPC.
The forthcoming meeting has been sought for quite some time. Speaking to the Donegal News, Chairman of Donegal JPC, Councillor Gerry McMonagle said he is pleased it is now coming to fruition following a lengthy period of requests.
He said it will afford members an opportunity to put to the Garda Commissioner their concerns about resources and the new policing model, which sees Donegal Garda Division amalgamated with Sligo and Leitrim as part of the biggest ever shake-up in the force.
“We have been looking for this meeting for quite some time now, so I welcome that it is taking place. We have invited him up to listen to our concerns regarding garda resources, personnel and vehicles and also to get his take on the new policing model and what that will be like in Donegal.
“We would rather Donegal be a standalone, but hopefully Garda Commissioner Harris will explain the roll out of the new policing model and how he believes it will be a help. We hope he brings assurances to members that there will be sufficient personnel to roll it out and also necessary support, vehicles and resources needed.”
Garda Commissioner Harris will receive submitted questions from members prior to the meeting to enable him to get a flavour of the topics he will be quizzed about. Cllr McMonagle said there may also be an opportunity to ask further questions on the day.
Garda Commissioner Harris assumed office in September 2018. He previously served as Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland from 2014 to 2018.
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