PRELIMINARY garda
enquiries have found no evidence to support
allegations that three yachts were denied shelter in
a storm last month at Greencastle harbour, Co
Donegal.
Garda enquiries were made at the request of Sinn
Féin TD for Donegal North East, Pádraig MacLochlainn,
who disputed claims discussed at a local electoral
area meeting of Donegal County Council.
In a letter this week to Deputy MacLochlainn, Supt
Kevin English said no evidence had emerged through
preliminary enquiries that the incident took place.
Supt English said no garda investigation would
commence "in the absence of an individual making a
formal complaint alleging the commission of a
criminal offence".
Deputy MacLochlainn yesterday demanded an apology
from "those who publicly sought to slur the name of
inshore fishermen based at Greencastle harbour". He
claimed the reports had damaged fishermen's
reputations and the local tourist industry.
"I am now calling on those who publicly made these
claims and supported them including five Inishowen
councillors, to explain their actions. I accept that
the councillors raised the issue having been lobbied
by those who made the allegations." said Deputy
MacLochlainn.
However he said those councillors now had a
responsibility to "name and shame" those who made
the claims in the first place.
The controversy centres on the installation of two
pontoons last year at Greencastle harbour. Some
harbour users claim the pontoons mark the beginnings
of a 16-pontoon private marina that will force out
traditional fishermen. |
