GARDAÍ in Glenties have received a new patrol car for the first time in more than ten years.
Last night, local councillor Brian Carr had the opportunity to view the new vehicle when he met garda Ciaran Cassidy, who was on duty in the town.
The new garda car is a fully electric, brand-new Škoda Enyaq.
Cllr Carr began pressing for a new vehicle last May, when he emailed the garda superintendent in Ballyshannon to raise concerns about personnel and resources in the area.
Receiving little answers, he shared the emails and responses with Deputy Pearse Doherty.
“He raised these concerns directly with the new Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly, at the Oireachtas Committee on Justice,” Cllr Carr said.
“This new squad car is the direct result of that meeting and marks the first step in addressing those concerns.”
In October, gardaí in west Donegal were reportedly delayed in closing a road following a fatal collision due to a lack of local support.
Rev Shelia Johnson died in the single-vehicle collision on the R262 Glenties–Frosses road at Tullynaglaggin on Wednesday, October 29.
Commenting on this, Cllr Carr said he is delighted that the area now has a vehicle properly equipped with lights and markings.
“Glenties now has a proper squad car, capable of attending accidents, unlike the community car used during a fatal accident in October,” he concluded.
“We’re absolutely delighted.”
