Garda numbers in Donegal have fallen by sixteen in the year up to the  end  of August.

Currently the county has 457 garda officers.

A large number of senior garda are expected to retire before February to avoid more sanctions on their pensions. And none of these officers will be replaced due to a moratorium on recruitment in the public service.

But, Donegal North-East Deputy Charlie Mc Conalogue says a fall in numbers, is no excuse to close rural garda stations….