Call for 24-hour reinstatement of two Northside Garda stations 

A NORTHSIDE councillor has called for the reinstatement of 24-hour opening at two local Garda stations.

Cllr Jimmy Guerin (Ind) said he has has written to Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris with regard to the situation at Malahide and Howth. 

“A number of people have contacted me in recent weeks concerning the increase in crimes in our area and in particular the attacks on young and vulnerable people,” said Cllr Guerin, who represents the Howth Malahide Local Electoral Area (LEA) on Fingal County Council.   

“There is a feeling that we are easy targets as there is no Garda station open after 9pm in our area.

“Offences such as young people being robbed at knifepoint and homes being burgled are on the increase and it is obvious that the existing levels of policing in our area are far short of what is required. 

“It is time for the Minister to provide the resources required by An Garda Síochána to provide the level of policing we are entitled to.”

Cllr Guerin argued that the Howth Malahide electoral area is the only one within the whole of Fingal that “does not enjoy 24-hour policing”.  

“I raised this matter at the last Fingal Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting,” said Cllr Guerin.

“While I accept that Garda resources are limited, I believe that the extra manpower required should be provided to restore 24-hour manning of our stations immediately. 

“Senior Garda have expressed the view that gardaí are better deployed on patrol and when required respond to calls.

“However, I pointed out that older people took great comfort from knowing that their local station is manned at night.” 

Cllr Guerin added: “I have not heard back form the Minister but do hope he will use his influence with the Garda Commissioner to resolve this issue.” 

When contacted, the Garda Press Office said it is not the policy of An Garda Síochána to comment on third party comments.   

However, it said: “Local Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. 

“Senior Garda Management is satisfied that an adequate policing service continues to be delivered and that current structures in place meet the requirement to deliver an effective and efficient policing service to the community. This situation is continually reviewed,” said a spokesperson.