Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 1

Written Answers - Donaghmede (Dublin) Garda Station.

Liam Fitzgerald

Question:

167 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice if she will sanction the establishment of a Garda station at Donaghmede Shopping Centre, Donaghmede, Dublin 13, in view of the numerous representations made to her office over many years by community organisations within the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2274/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the question of providing a Garda station at Donaghmede has been carefully considered on many occasions. It has always been considered that an additional station in this area could not be justified and this still remains the position.

There has been a Garda clinic for some time in Donaghmede which was closed while work was ongoing in the shopping centre. The Garda clinic reopened on 1 February 1996, following construction work at the centre. This clinic is located on the first floor of the centre and is open to the public six days a week at the following times:

Monday-Tuesday-Saturday:

11.00 a.m.-12.00 midday

3.00 p.m.-4 p.m.

Wednesday-Thursday-Friday

11.00 a.m.-12 midday

3.00 p.m.-4.00 p.m.

7.00 p.m.-8.00 p.m.

The Garda authorities point out that the drawback in opening a new Garda station, apart from the capital cost involved, is that it would divert personnel who could be better used in outdoor patrol duties. The essential point they make is that it is far better to maximise the number of gardaí available for outdoor patrol and crime duties rather than tie up personnel indoors in staffing a new Garda station.

The Garda authorities have informed me that the policing needs of the area are adequately catered for by personnel attached to the Coolock Station. The Donaghmede area is constantly policed by two neighbourhood gardaí and by mobile patrols which include patrol cars and vans, the district detective unit, the divisional task force unit, the crime prevention unit and the drug unit at Coolock. The Garda authorities are satisfied that the Donaghmede area receives a sufficient level of Garda attention and that the overall situation will be kept under review.