Santry Garda Station fears

THE Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice are being called on to clarify the future of Santry Garda Station following reports that it’s set to be downgraded.

Public office hours at the station were reduced in 2013 as part of cutbacks that included the closure of Whitehall Garda Station. And while gardaí say there are no plans for any further closures, there are now fears that a further reduction in office hours at Santry may be on the cards.

Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) claims that informed sources close to Santry gardaí have told him that the station is set to be downgraded as part of Garda organisational changes in North Dublin.

“The closure of Whitehall and reduction of opening hours in Santry has been a major issue in the area and many older people have said they feel less safe,” he said.

Last year, CSO figures showed Santry had the highest increase in the average number of burglaries in Dublin’s Northern Garda Division. Burglaries reported to Santry were up by 14 per cent compared to 2014 and gardaí responded to the spike by deploying additional plain clothes and uniform patrols in the area and recommencing high profile anti-burglary patrols.

However, many locals blamed the cutbacks for the increase in break-ins. And with Garda numbers still below 2011 levels, there are concerns that any changes in Santry will lead to a new surge in crime.

“I am calling on the Minister for Justice to issue a clear statement on the future of Santry Garda Station,” added Cllr McAuliffe.

“Local people are fearful that any further changes will lead to a closure of the public office, leaving the station as an administrative centre only.

“I understand that a unit from Harcourt Street will be moved to the Santry station as part of the changes and planning permission for work at the station has been lodged.

“However, it is the public office which local people will be most concerned about and the Minister must address these concerns.”

Local councillor Noeleen Reilly (SF) said the Garda Commissioner needed to respond to the reports about Santry Garda Station.

“The community in Santry took a blow in 2013 when the Garda station was downgraded along with the closure of the Whitehall station,” she added.

“Many residents in Santry will tell you that because of the changes they simply do not feel safe anymore in their homes anymore.

“Speculation is mounting that further pressure will now be put on the station. 

“Those in the community have a right to know what is happening to their local station. 

“Any further changes or reduction in hours are totally unacceptable.”

Responding to queries from Northside People, a Garda spokesperson said there were no plans to close any Garda stations. 

He added: “We do not comment on speculation in relation to operational matters.”