Clamp down on “boy racers”

Gardaí have vowed to clamp down on “boy racers” in Clonmany and have also addressed complaints about a lack of policing in the area. Fianna Fáil Senator Cecilia Keaveney met with Inishowen Superintendent William Johnston after concerned Clonmany residents contacted the “Inish Times” with fears that the lack of policing in the area could lead to a death. One angry resident, who did not wish to be named, said locals were living in fear of “boy racers” and that the area desperately needed more Gardaí. “There are always cars speeding through the village and it’s only a matter of time before somebody is killed,” said the man. “We’re lying awake in fear at night and everyone knows that there’s no Guards around to deal with the problem so it’s only natural that people are getting scared. “We have a Gardai station here but there’s never anybody in it.” Earlier this year, in nearby Ballyliffin, a family had a lucky escape after a car left the road, ploughing into their garden, smashing a gas cylinder against the wall of their home. The man added: “The noise of these cars racing around is terrifying people, especially the elderly. In her meeting with Superintendent Johnston, Senator Keaveney raised the concerns of local residents. Supt. Johnston said the Clonmany station was currently closed for a Ä200,000 refurbishment and that cover was being provided by the Carndonagh Gardaí. Senator Keaveney said: “The Superintendent has assured me he is more than anxious to have the builders complete the work and have a Gardai presence back in the Clonmany station.” “However, in the meantime, there is cover for Clonmany that is assisted by the Traffic Corp. “The Superintendent does have further plans for dealing with issues such as ‘little boy racing’ that he will soon be able to deploy not just in Clonmany.” She continued: “The recent very successful festival in Clonmany had a Gardai presence that ensured that the minor incidents that did take place were followed up on and reacted to. This did not take away from the enjoyable time had by the thousands of people who attended.” She added: “I will be working with the Superintendent to ensure that not only does Clonmany station reopen but that renewed vigour is brought to bear in relation toCarndonagh. “Superintendent Johnston is only a short time in the post but is very much on top of his brief and I trust that this will be to the good of our concerned citizens and of concern to our less good citizens.”