Call for greater armed assistance for Donegal Gardaí

Representatives of An Garda Síochana have highlighted misgivings about the lack of adequate armed support.

Brendan O’Connor, the Vice President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), was speaking after a Carlow man was jailed for eight years following a shooting spree on the streets of Glenties two years ago.

Dowling fired several shots from a high-powered hunting rifle, two of which narrowly missed Gardaí.

Dowling fired three shots at houses and another through the window of a passing car.

Two armed detectives were over 40 minutes away, in Falcarragh, when they were radioed to assist unarmed uniformed officers who responded.

Garda O’Connor said the case gave the public an insight into the dangers Gardaí face.

“This incident unfolded with no warning in a small rural town and there is no doubt that the courage and bravery displayed by Gardai on the night brought the incident to an end without injury to any person,” Garda O’Connor said.

“The Gardai on the night were fired upon with a high powered hunting rifle and came within inches of losing their lives. Their bravery and selfless acts on that night put the safety of the public ahead of their own, and for that we will forever be grateful.”

Garda O’Connor praised his colleagues for the bravery they showed.

He called for a full review into how officers can be protected.

Garda O’Connor said: “Members of the Garda Representative Association in Donegal and other divisions have consistently expressed concerns about the availability of armed back up and this incident has demonstrated how legitimate and well-founded those concerns are.

“These members who faced the very real prospect of not coming home from work to their families that night have asked that the GRA seek a comprehensive review to explore what steps can be introduced in order to improve how such incidents are responded to in order to improve the safety of members, better protect communities and provide better post incident support to our members.”

Breaking: Man jailed for cocaine-fuelled Glenties shooting spree

Carlow man Stephen Dowling caused a night of terror, leaving Gardaí in fear of their lives

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has called for mandatory support for members caught up in traumatic incidents in the line of duty.

AGSI General Secretary Antoinette Cunningham said: “Our members have long advocated for a strengthening of the services available to them after such life-threatening and traumatising incidents. We believe supports should be mandatory within the Garda organisation with standard operating procedures for how they should be delivered.

“Furthermore, this incident shows the importance of having the Armed Support Unit available to rural communities in places like Donegal, and AGSI calls for the continued strengthening and resourcing of this Unit.”