ARRANMORE’S Garda officer says a permanent base for officers should be developed on the island.

Garda Richard Quigley has been appointed to Burtonport station for the next months – the first time since 2014 the west Donegal village has had a dedicated officer.

His appointment comes following unrest on Arranmore over the bank holiday weekend earlier this month when one person was arrested and fines handed out to others for their drunken behaviour.

The incidents have sparked a conversation among residents about how the island is viewed by visitors and that to some it may appear as a “place to come and get wasted”.

Speaking during a public meeting attended by over 70 islanders, Garda Quigley said ideally he would like to see a police base established on the island.

“I would love at some stage for the Office of Public Works to look at having a building out here that we could use as a mini-Garda station for clinics, signing forms and which officers could utilise for overnight stays.

“In my view there should be a building out here that we could use – whether bought, built or leased.”

Garda Quigley said he would take the idea to his superiors but that ultimately it will come down to money.

“The first thing I will be asked is can we afford this. But to me money should not be an obstacle to good policing.

“It is something I would love to see and I don’t feel it would be exceptional wishful thinking on my part.”

Co-chairing the meeting was John McCafferty. He said a greater police presence is needed on Arranmore.

“We need a presence on the island because we all see how year on year it is getting busier. It needs to happen after that last weekend we had here,” Mr McCafferty added.