New Garda station is under consideration for Clongriffin

THE Department of Justice has confirmed that a new Garda station is being considered for the Northside.

The news follows Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan’s visit to Coolock Garda Station last week. 

In a statement to Northside People, a spokesperson for the Department said: “The Department understands that An Garda Síochána has had preliminary discussions with Dublin City Council in relation to the possible provision of a site for development of new facilities in North Dublin.  

“The 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.”

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said: “I welcomed Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan to Coolock Garda Station and Northside Partnership to discuss the recent serious crimes that have taken place in our community. 

“Minister Flanagan and senior gardaí are prioritising preventing further serious crime in this area.

“At the meeting senior gardaí confirmed that Coolock is to receive 30 new gardaí on June 10 and they have opened talks with the Office of Public Works (OPW) with a view to establishing a new Garda Station in the Northern Cross area to serve Darndale, Belmayne, Clarehall and Clongriffin. 

“Key local stakeholders including two schools, a sports club and residents were represented at the meeting. 

“I would also like to commend our local gardaí in Coolock who continue to work tirelessly to tackle crime on a community level.”

Senator Catherine Noone (FG) also welcomed the development.  

“Assistant Commissioner for Dublin Metropolitan Region, Patrick Leahy, has confirmed they are currently in talks with Dublin City Council about an identified green site for a new Garda station, located at Northern Cross,” she said.

“This is excellent news for the locality.  Over the last year, I have highlighted the urgent need for a Garda station in the vicinity due to the escalation of anti-social incidents and more recently the murders in and around the Darndale area.

“There is now a recognition on the part of Government for the need for a Garda station in the area.

“There is substantial projected growth in population in Clongriffin and the surrounding areas and as such, this is prudent planning.”

Dublin Bay North TD Denise Mitchell (SF) has been campaigning for an increase in resources for Coolock and a new station to serve the Clongriffin area for some time. 

 “I hope these reported plans will be confirmed and that they are not just a pre-election stunt from a Government which has consistently ignored calls for action on this matter since 2011,” said Deputy Mitchell. 

“While these reported plans are welcome, it is very unfortunate that it took these horrific killings for this Government to sit up and listen to the concerns of local representatives and local community leaders who are on the ground in these communities, day-in and day-out.”