Letterkenny gardaí say they must 'ensure the safety of all' ahead of two protests

Gardaí in Letterkenny will implement a policing plan for public safety and traffic management with two separate gatherings due to take place in the town tomorrow, Saturday.

An assembly will take place at 1pm, and organisers say that the gathering has been “organised by a group of concerned Letterkenny people who are fed up with the recent brutal physical attacks and the way their town has been drastically changed over the years”.

The United Against Racism Donegal group has also organised ‘Rally Against Racism,” a counter-protest, at 12 noon.

“Racism has no place in Irish society,” they say. “The people of Donegal have welcomed those who have escaped conflict, oppression, climate, and economic catastrophe to Ireland in search of safety and a better life.”

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An Garda Síochána posted: “We are engaged with the organisers of two planned public gatherings that are scheduled to take place in Letterkenny town centre tomorrow afternoon, Saturday.

“We will have a policing plan, including traffic management in place from the morning to ensure full public safety. It is our duty to ensure the safety of all and that the constitutional rights of members of the public are protected. An Garda Síochána has no statutory role in designating when or where public assemblies occur.

“We have been liaising with the local Chamber of Commerce, and Letterkenny will remain very much open for business. Anyone coming into Letterkenny or who will be travelling in and around the area on Saturday are to plan ahead and expect some possible traffic diversions and delays. Should anyone need our help or assistance, please speak with any one of us who will be out and about on duty.”