The amalgamation of Garda Districts forms part of the current strategic reform programmes being undertaken by An Garda Síochána nationally and is in accordance with the Garda Policing Plan 2013. The Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme will provide for effectiveness and efficiencies through a programme of restructuring and reconfiguration of service delivery methods. An Garda Síochána is confident that there will be no diminution of service as a result of the amalgamation.
The Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme will impact on the Donegal Division in that Glenties Garda District will be split between Ballyshannon and Milford Districts. The revised structures will continue to provide policing support through the clustering of services at policing hubs. The centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of enhanced patrolling systems that will be operational and intelligence led. This patrol system will ensure that a high visibility and community oriented policing service continues to be delivered throughout the Donegal Division.
The following changes will take place in the Donegal Division with effect from Monday 11th November 2013:-
Glenties will no longer be a District Headquarters. This effectively means there will no longer be a Superintendent or Inspector permanently attached to Glenties Garda Station. However, it will continue to retain a complement of Garda members of Sergeant and Garda rank.
The new opening hours of Glenties Garda station will be between the hours of 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 12 noon Saturday; Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays. However, Glenties Garda station in association with Killybegs, Ardara and Carrick will continue to provide a 24 hour Garda patrolling and response service.
Glenties District will be split between Ballyshannon and Milford Districts with the Gweebarra River being the natural boundary between the Districts.
Glenties, Ardara, Clogher and Carrick Garda stations will become part of the Ballyshannon Garda District
Dungloe, Bunbeag and Burtonport will become part of the Milford District.
The townlands of Curraghlea, Ballaghderg and Calhame which were formerly in Kilmacrennan sub-District will become part of Letterkenny sub-district.
An Garda Síochána looks forward to working with and supporting communities throughout the Donegal Division under these new arrangements.
