by Louise Doyle

AN Garda Síochána spent almost €800,000 policing the Donegal International Rally in a three-year period, we can reveal.

Figures released to this newspaper through a request under the Freedom of Information Act show that the amount of money spent on policing and resourcing rally events from 2022 to 2024 has steadily increased.

A total of €793,625 was spent by An Garda Síochána from 2022 to 2024.

In 2024, the overall spend jumped €110,803, with €345,358 having been spent on policing and resourcing the major annual sporting event.

This compared with €234,585 in 2023.

Overtime claims from garda members accounted for the highest spend in 2024, at €287,595, followed by travel and subsistence claims (€35,000).

An Garda Síochána spent €9,060 on overtime claims from garda staff, and €7,233 and €6,000 on catering and accommodation, respectively.

A total of €234,585 was spent on policing and resourcing the rally in 2023, according to the figures. Overtime from garda members again accounted for the majority of the spend (€193, 646).

There was a slight drop in travel and subsistence claims (€32,764).

Overtime claims from garda staff accounted for €3,080, while €2,760 and €2,335 was spent on catering and motorcycle transportation, respectively.

In 2022, €213,652 was spent on policing on resourcing the event, with overtime claims from garda members amassing the highest costs (€179, 055).

Travel and subsistence claims accumulated the second highest spend by An Garda Síochana (€27, 693) in 2022.

Overtime claims from garda staff were higher in 2022 than in 2023, with €4,185 spent.

Catering accounted for the lowest costs in 2022, with a spend of €2,719.

A spokesperson said figures for Donegal International Rally 2025 are not yet available as all invoices and expenses have not yet been received and processed.

Thousands of visitors descended on the county last weekend to enjoy the popular annual event in the sporting calendar, financially boosting the local economy.