Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2019
373. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of his publicised meeting with An Garda Síochána in Coolock Garda station on 4 June 2019; the decisions taken at the meeting to tackle gangland crime in north Dublin; his plans to open a new Garda station at Northern Cross, Dublin 17, following the meeting as reported by the media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24260/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, last week I accepted an invitation from Ministers Bruton, McGrath and Senator Noone to meet with community groups in the Dublin 13 and 17 areas, under the umbrella of the Northside Partnership. This meeting involved representatives of various community initiatives in the Coolock, Darndale and Clongriffin areas, local school principals, Gardaí and local residents. I had the benefit of hearing the concerns and suggestions put forward by locals, covering issues such as education, employment and sport, and an undertaking was given that the Government will give them further consideration. I also took the opportunity to outline the whole of government approach which is being taken to policing and community safety under the implementation plan of the Commission of the Future of Policing in Ireland report overseen by the Department of An Taoiseach.
We also met with senior members from An Garda Síochána and my Department at Coolock Garda Station. At the meeting, Gardaí briefed me on progress made in the various investigations and also set out actions they had already taken to enhance relationships with the community in the area. I am advised that a high level meeting also took place between the senior Garda managers responsible for community safety, intelligence and drugs and organised crime in order to manage the co-ordinated response to the recent killings, and I understand this group will continue to meet.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the effective and efficient use of Garda resources and this includes responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations. As recently as December 2018, the Garda Síochána Inspectorate in its report “Policing with Local Communities” confirmed that it is appropriate that the Commissioner should continue to hold this responsibility.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána has had preliminary discussions with Dublin City Council in relation to the possible provision of a site for the development of new facilities in North Dublin. My Department has been informed by Garda management that the question of developing a Garda station in the Clongriffin area will be the subject of further consideration within An Garda Síochána and with other stakeholders.
