There was anger yesterday that the young woman rock fan who was raped during the Rory Gallagher tribute festival in Ballyshannon had to be taken 110 kilometres to Castlebar for medical examination.
Gardaí are meanwhile searching for the man who carried out the vicious rape on Sunday morning at the camp site near Station Road, Ballyshannon.
It is believed to have happened in one of about 200 tents accommodating 600 campers less than 400 metres from the town centre.
However, another major concern locally was the fact that south Donegal doesn't have a sex assault treatment unit. The nearest unit with appropriate medical staff on duty when the terrified 23-year-old reported her ordeal was in the Co Mayo town.
Kate Mulkerrins, legal co-ordinator of Rape Crisis Network Ireland, said: "In the 21st century it's really not appropriate that we haven't fully implemented our national guidelines and statutory recommendations on sexual assault treatment units so that people do not, in the most traumatised state, have to travel great distances.
"And, of course, forensic evidence is best gathered in the immediate vicinity of the crime. Any delay can be problematic."
Donegal south west Fine Gael TD Dinny McGinley will put a question on the issue to the new health minister when the Dáil reassembles.
He said: "It's another example of the shortcomings of the health services in the north west. It's a disgrace that this poor girl, already traumatised by her experience, had to travel so far to be examined and have her condition assessed."
Gardaí say there is concern over the lack of a specialist unit in the area with staff experienced in carrying out a forensic medical examination for any prosecution.
The doctors in Castlebar who examined the young woman aren't even part of a dedicated treatment unit but, because of experience gained in other hospitals, do provide an emergency examination service.
A senior officer on the case said: "It's not a perfect system for us, and it's not ideal for the victim."
Letterkenny General Hospital has a specialist unit - one of just four in the country - but staff with the necessary expertise weren't available.
The Government has set aside €1.5 million for 2007 to establish two new sex assault treatment units - one in Galway and one in the midlands - and to upgrade services at those already in existence, including Letterkenny.
The move follows a national review last year of treatment services available to victims of sex crimes.