THERE was widespread welcome to the news last week that Stepaside Garda station is to reopen, even though it might only be a temporary measure.
It has also emerged that the decision to reopen Stepaside means that “no further consideration” will be given to reopening one-time stations in Dalkey and KillO’The Grange, “due to their relative close proximity to Stepaside”.
In a statement, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, said the community can now look forward to a safer New Year after working tirelessly for their Garda station to be restored.
“A report from the Garda Commissioner has found that Stepaside Garda station should now reopen, and the Commissioner has written to the Office of Public Works to progress the opening,” the minister stated.
“This is a Christmas wish come true for the area and means the whole community can look forward to a safer New Year with a dedicated Garda presence back on our streets.
“It has always been my view that the closure of Stepaside Garda station was the wrong decision,” she added.
“The station’s closure has damaged the local community, leaving them feeling significantly less safe and less secure.
“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 minister described the development as a “major victory for local residents who have worked so hard on this issue for so long”.
There was widespread controversy when Stepaside Garda station, in the Transport Minister Shane Ross's constituency, was chosen for re-opening despite not being a priority for senior members of the force.
Last week the Minister of Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan, published the Garda report on the reopening of six former Garda stations
In his final report, the Garda Commissioner informed the Minister that he has decided to reopen the former Garda stations.
The Garda Commissioner has written to the Office of Public Works to progress the matter but in that report it adds that it may only be a temporary measure.
Acting Commissioner John O'Driscoll says serious consideration should be given to building in nearby Cherrywood.
It is estimated by 2030 there will be an additional 7,700 homes in the area, and a population of 30,000 left with limited Garda cover.