Fresh hope that Stepaside Garda station is set to reopen

THERE are increasing hopes on the Southside that the Garda station in Stepaside that was closed four years ago, will reopen.

Last week in the Dail, the Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald, announced that the Garda station review report that  examined the impact of the closure of 139 Garda stations during the recession, is expected for publication in May. The report identifies six Garda stations that will be reopened as part of a pilot scheme on a trial basis.

Stepaside Garda Station is expected to be one of the re-opened stations. The development has been welcomed on the Southside by several local public representatives who have campaigned for the Garda station to reopen.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, said it had been four years since the people of Stepaside and neighbouring environs lost their Garda station.

“It is just one year since Antoinette Cunningham, vice-president of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), said that since the station’s closure there had been a significant increase in crime in the area,” Deputy Ross said.

“We were against the closure of Stepaside in the first place and we believe that this is just one example that proves it should be reopened.

“During talks on the formation of this Government I made it clear that the reopening of Stepaside Garda Station was an imperative, both for myself and my constituents. 

“I am now very confident that the report this May will conclude that Stepaside Garda Station must reopen, as has long been maintained by the local community. This result will reflect the considerable effort and tireless campaigning by the people of the area to make their streets safe again.”

Deputy Josepha Madigan (FG) added that she was “pleased” to hear from Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald that she expects the final Garda station review report from the Policing Authority to be published in May.

“The report, signed off by the Garda Commissioner, will identify six Garda stations to be re-opened on a trial basis as part of a pilot 

scheme promised in the  Programme for Government,” she said.

“A total of 139 Garda stations were closed during the recession and it has always been my view that the closure of Stepaside Garda station was the wrong decision.

“The station’s closure has damaged the local community, leaving them feeling significantly less safe and less secure. Our concerns have been borne out by a significant increase in burglaries in the area.

“I have campaigned actively throughout my time as a public representative alongside the many Stepaside residents who have worked hard over the last number of years for their Garda station to be re-opened.

“The publication of this report and the expected re-opening of Stepaside Garda station will be a major victory for local residents who have worked so hard on this issue for so long,” Deputy Madigan added.

“Since the station was closed in in 2013, the Stepaside community has worked tirelessly for their Garda station to be restored. I thank local campaigners for all their hard work.”

Deputy Madigan added: “The Tánaiste’s announcement bears testament to the ability of a well organised local campaign to make a difference.”