The Mayor of Clare has called a special meeting of Clare County Council to discuss the controversy surrounding the future of the Clare Garda Division.
Fears are growing that this county could be amalgamated with the Galway division, after the Garda Commissioner refused to rule out such a move in the future.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris this week told the Oireachtas Justice Committee that he couldn’t rule out an amalgamation of the Clare and Galway Garda Divisions or, in effect, policing in the Banner County being directed from there.
There are growing fears in Clare that this could be the case and now, in response, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Michael Begley has called a special meeting of the local authority to discuss the matter.
One of those expressing concern is Independent Ennis Councillor James Breen, who wants Clare’s Oireachtas members to get involved.
Changes to Garda Divisions are being examined on foot of the report of the Commission of the Future of Policing, which was published last year.
Dr Johnny Connolly of the University of Limerick was a member of that commission and he insists that the proposed changes to Garda structures will bolster frontline policing.
The special meeting of Clare County Council to discuss the ongoing situation will be held in Áras Contae an Chláir on February 25th.
