Tag Archives: Superintendent Brendan McDonagh

GLOWING tributes were paid to the work of Superintendent Brendan McDonagh at a recent Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting, writes Dan Danaher. Superintendent McDonagh has completed 40 years’ service with An Garda Siochána, 33 of which were in the Clare Garda Division. Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran noted Superintendent McDonagh wasn’t in attendance at the meeting ahead of his retirement later that week, and lauded his four decades of service with the force. Councillor Mary Howard wished Superintendent McDonagh well in his retirement, having served the force very well during his time in Clare. The Fine Gael Councillor recalled any time an issue was raised with Superintendent McDonagh she knew he would always deal with it in the best possible manner. Councillor PJ Ryan also praised Superintendent McDonagh’s work ethic. “Brendan has been a very good friend to Clare people. He is leaving a fantastic legacy behind him. When I served as chairman of the Joint Policing Committee for five years, …

ONE of the country’s most senior police officers walked the beat in the county town last Friday afternoon (August 20), following a visit to Ennis Garda Station. Formerly the Deputy Police Chief of Toronto, Dr Shawna Coxon was appointed to the role of Deputy Commissioner of An Garda Síochána earlier this year. She is responsible for Strategy, Governance and Performance, and, alongside West Clare Native, Anne Marie McMahon, is one of two officers who hold the rank. At Ennis Garda Station, she was welcomed by Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran and Superintendent Brendan McDonagh. Dr Coxon toured the station which is Divisional Headquarters for the new Clare-Tipperary Garda Operating Model. She met frontline personnel and expressed her appreciation for the commitment and dedication shown by Gardaí, particularly during the pandemic. Deputy Commissioner Coxon also noted the imminent retirement of Superintendent McDonagh next month, and thanked him for his 40 years of service to the force, 33 of which were in the …

A ‘MINEFIELD’, is one of the words used by members of Clare’s Joint Policing Committee (JPC) to describe data protection regulations, which currently prevent the council from using remotely-operated CCTV to stamp out illegal dumping. Outlining the current legal situation under GDPR, Senior Engineer Cyril Feeney said it appears that the only viable option is to ask the permission of the Garda Commissioner. Mr Feeney outlined the council’s powers under the Waste Management Act, and noted that that legislation does not allow the remote operation of CCTV. “We have seen an uptick in illegal dumping with Covid-19,” Mr Feeny said. “It is of particular concern in parts of South East Clare. We undertook a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to see what the implications of the CCTV option might be, and found that GDPR would apply and that we would need the consent of those engaging in illegal dumping and clearly that is not going to happen.” Explaining a proposal …

Gardaí have confirmed they are in contact with Interpol to assess the possibility of any terror threat in the lead-up to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann next month. Superintendent Brendan McDonagh has told The Clare Champion that the assessment of a threat is intelligence-led and that Clare gardaí are in regular contact with Interpol and colleagues in Britain, France and other EU countries. He said there will be a strong visible presence of gardaí on the streets of Ennis during the Fleadh and, in addition to calling in all available resources in the division, he said extra assistance can be used from other counties, if necessary. Adrian Jackson of Safety Solutions said discussions on how to deal with a terror attack have been held with local gardaí. While he wasn’t at liberty to outline what these arrangements are for security reasons, as event controller he said he would be guided by the advice of the gardaí. “We bow to the greater …