Gorey town centre can expect disruption as thousands of concerned citizens plan to participate in a public protest march next Saturday as support for the Save Gorey Garda District campaign grows and opposition to the proposed downgrading of policing in North Wexford is demanding urgent action.

The organisers of the march were greatly encouraged when around 500 people turned out for a public meeting held in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, recently, and regarded it as a mandate to organise a peaceful public protest.

The march will leave the Naomh Eanna GAA Complex at 12.30 pm, proceed through Esmonde Street and the Main Street and onto the Civic Centre, where a “Roar for Gorey” will take place.

A spokesperson for Save Gorey Garda District said: “Now more than ever it is important that North Wexford join together and reverse the idea to downgrade our District.

“If this goes ahead, Gorey and its surrounding areas will lose valuable policing services to the area, something that none of us want.  North Wexford needs your support and voice to ensure that everyone knows we the people of North Wexford are against this decision.”

At the recent public meeting, Senator Michael Darcy said: “that this is the worst policing decision made since the formation of the State.”

The proposed new district, which will comprise of over 70,000 people and have a reach from Bunclody and Ballygarrett to Castletown and Coolgreany, will come under the control of a Superintendent who will be based in Enniscorthy and removed from the immediate area.