Coghlan calls for cooperation corridor for Gardaí and PSNI in border area

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Tuesday) called for a cooperation corridor to be established between the Gardaí and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to help combat crime along the border area. Senator Coghlan raised the issue during the Order of Business in the Seanad earlier, in light of the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe.

“I would like to join with my colleagues in totally condemning the brutal murder of Det Garda Adrian Donohoe. Garda Donohoe was slain in cold blood without any opportunity whatsoever to defend himself. The local community in Louth and the wider public right across the country have been left stunned and repulsed by his murder.

“The area of Co. Louth where Garda Donohoe was shot dead was previously referred to as ‘bandit country’, due to its association with rouge elements of the Troubles. But I am afraid that some of the banditry is lingering on, and I think we need to look at whether there can be greater cooperation between the Gardaí and the PSNI in policing the area.

“Cooperation between the Gardaí and the PSNI is already at an all-time high, and I understand that relations between the two forces are very strong. However, in light of this most recent incident, I think we should consider whether a corridor should be developed in south Armagh and north Louth, to allow for greater cooperation and coordination between both forces in the area.

“This would allow for the speediest possible investigation of crimes in the border area. For example, in this case, the car believed to have been used by the criminal gang in Louth was found across the border in Keady. This underlines the benefit of having complete cooperation between both forces when trying to track down these criminals.

“It is important not to politicise the devastating death of Garda Donohoe. However, if there are ways to further help the Gardaí crack down on this type of crime, they should be explored fully.”

ENDS