Violent incidents spark calls for more CCTV in Letterkenny

A worrying increase in violent incidents in busy shopping areas in Letterkenny has led to calls for an increase in CCTV around the town.

In one recent incident, a man brandished two knives during an altercation with another male in the Courtyard Shopping Centre.

Last year, footage was widely circulated of a violent attack just off Main Street, while there have been other high-profile incidents that have frightened the public.

“Whatever we can do, we need to push as hard as we can to get further CCTV,” Councillor Gerry McMonagle told a meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.

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“We don’t have enough gardai on the beat and we don’t have enough gardai in the county.

“CCTV would be of immense value to the gardai in carrying out their duties and also in keeping people safe.”

Two separate applications have been lodged in relation to adding to the town’s extensive network of CCTV.

Councillor McMonagle, who is the chairperson of the Donegal Joint Policing Committee (JPC) said: “CCTV is needed and needed quite soon to help and assist gardai in tracking down the perpetrators and also to act as a deterrent to people who are openly carrying out violent attacks in our main shopping centres, streets and car parks.

“If something isn’t done, someone will be seriously hurt or killed.”

Donegal County Council official Francis Conaghan said an application was submitted, led by the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, to the Department of Justice. The feedback was ‘positive’ but it now needs approval from the office of the Garda Commissioner.

A further application, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and the Gardai, has been submitted to the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau.