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....
[podcast]http://www.highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/char1pm.mp3[/podcast]
