Warning over policing numbers in Fingal area

Shauna Bowers

A NORTHSIDE TD has warned there is a very long way to go in terms of policing numbers in the Fingal area.

Dublin Fingal TD Darragh O’Brien (FF) was speaking following news that Balbriggan and Swords are to receive five extra community gardaí each. 

Deputy O’Brien said that while he is delighted with this news, there is still a need for increased policing in the area. He believes the increasing population in Swords, and the Fingal area in general, must be catered for with an increased Garda presence.

“Swords has transformed in recent years into one of the busiest districts in the capital and the area has lost over 10 full-time gardaí,” said Deputy O’Brien.  

“In that regard I appreciate that the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has acknowledged this pressure and allocated five community gardaí to the area. 

“Communities across Dublin Fingal will suffer if this Government presides over any further hit to Garda resources and must be better protected by gardaí adequately targeting crime prevention and rebuilding public confidence.”

Dublin Fingal TD Alan Farrell (FG) also acknowledged the importance of having adequate Garda numbers in the Fingal area.

“I am pleased with the allocation of an extra five community gardaí in both Swords and Balbriggan,” Deputy Farrell said. 

“Making sure there are more gardaí in our local communities is essential in terms of ensuring every person in Dublin Fingal feels safe on our local streets and in their own homes.

“It is vital that this recruitment continues, and that the hard-working members of An Garda Síochána are provided with the resources they require to carry out their daily duties to the best of their ability.”

An Garda Siochana said ensuring the correct allocation of Garda numbers is something they take very seriously.

“Policing levels are determined by a number of variables including demographics, policing plans/models, the needs of the service and the security of the State,” a spokesperson for the Garda Press Office told Northside People. 

“Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. 

“Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. 

“Garda members are and will continue to be deployed to meet the needs of the service.”

Meanwhile, when asked about the reopening of the six Garda stations, including Rush Garda Station, under the pilot scheme announced recently, the spokesperson said currently there was no timeline in place.

“An Garda Síochána is current liaising with the Office of Public Works (OPW) in relation to the potential works that may be required to ensure each of the six stations meet current Garda operational requirements, building regulations, and health and safety standards,” the spokesperson added. 

“That process is in its very early stages and there is no timeline yet for the opening of any of the six stations on a pilot basis.”