Call for Rush Garda station to be adequately resourced

A NORTHSIDE senator has warned that all resources, including extra gardai, are in place when Rush Garda Station reopens at the end of September.

Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee (FF) made the call after receiving news of the station’s reopening from Minister of State at the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.

A spokeswoman for the OPW subsequently confirmed the development to Northside People.

“Works are currently ongoing onsite,” she said. “Completion and handover to An Garda Síochána is expected by the end of September.”

Senator Clifford-Lee, Fianna Fáil Seanad Deputy Leader & Spokesperson on Justice, Children and Youth Affairs, said the reopening of the station was a long time coming for the people of Fingal. 

However, she warned that Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, must ensure that extra gardaí will be allocated to the area and that all resources are in place so that the station can become fully operational as quickly as possible.

“The population in the area is rising sharply with Fingal County Council consistently among the top local authorities providing new dwelling completions and social housing,” said Senator Clifford-Lee.

“As one of the fastest growing areas in the country it’s entirely reasonable to presume there will be much greater need for a visible police presence. Crime is a real concern and we have witnessed many random acts of violence across North Dublin over recent months.”

Senator Clifford-Lee said the reopening of Rush Garda Station would not only offer greater comfort to the people living in more secluded parts of the county, but also “send a message to thugs and criminals that the area isn’t free for them to roam”.

“We need a robust and mobile police force,” she added. 

A spokesman for the Garda Press Office 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. 

He said this is 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,” he said.

Meanwhile, after Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, announced his restructuring plans for the force, Dublin Bay North TD Tommy Broughan (Ind) reiterated his call for the new Divisional Headquarters for Dublin Metropolitan Region North to be located in the North Fringe. 

Deputy Broughan, who has been calling for a new Garda station for the Clongriffin/Belmayne area for some time, asked the Garda Commissioner to consider building the new HQ in the North Fringe of his constituency.

“It is very welcome to see that Garda Commissioner Harris is moving towards a new Operating Model for An Garda Síochána with a major emphasis on frontline community policing,” said Deputy Broughan. 

“Minister Flanagan and Taoiseach Varadkar must also now urgently publish the long-promised Policing and Community Safety Bill and ensure its swift passage through the Oireachtas.”