‘Terrifying ordeal’ condemned after council staff member assaulted in workplace - Donegal Daily

The Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District has condemned today’s violent incident at Letterkenny Public Services Centre, where a staff member was assau...

The Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District has condemned today’s violent incident at Letterkenny Public Services Centre, where a staff member was assaulted by a man who had been granted bail just hours earlier.

Cllr Pauric McGarvey has expressed his support for council employees following the incident, which resulted in criminal damage and the temporary closure of the building.

“Donegal County Council staff do not deserve to be disrespected, assaulted or intimidated in any way while in or out of their work,” he said.

“We as members know the situations many people face, but these actions are unacceptable.

“Today was a terrifying ordeal for everyone involved and we condemn this behaviour, it will not be tolerated.”

Cllr McGarvey also thanked Gardaí for their quick response and for ensuring the safety of staff and members of the public.

His comments follow the appearance of Philip Dodoo (25) before Letterkenny District Court on Monday afternoon, charged with assault and criminal damage arising from the incident.

The court heard that Dodoo allegedly smashed a glass pane at the Public Services Centre before punching a male staff member in the face.

The incident occurred just over two hours after Dodoo had been granted bail in connection with a separate alleged incident at a casino in Letterkenny on Sunday.

Following his second court appearance on Monday, Judge Emile Daly remanded him in custody and revoked the bail granted earlier that day.

Glenties councillor Mícheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig also expressed his fury at violence directed towards council employees.

“I don’t care what kind of circumstances you have,” he said.

“It doesn’t give you the right to violently attack any of our staff. Our staff are hard-working. They’re committed.”

He praised the dedication of council employees, saying much of their work goes unseen.

“How ****ing dare anyone attack our staff that is there to help you, that is there to support you, that is there to do everything in their power to support the community.”

He acknowledged that members of the public do not always get the outcomes they want when dealing with council services, but insisted violence was never acceptable.

The incident led to the closure of Letterkenny Public Services Centre for the remainder of Monday afternoon, disrupting services to the public.

Donegal County Council confirmed that the building would reopen at 9am on Tuesday 3rd November and apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Dodoo is due to appear before the court again via video link on Thursday 5th November.