Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, has today (Tuesday) expressed his disappointment that Malahide Garda Station is to be manned on a part time basis. He also expressed his incredulity at the response by Fianna Fáil Senator, Darragh O’Brien, to the announcement.
“While these changes are far from ideal they are a direct reflection of our current economic situation. One of the main challenges of this Government on assuming office was to bring down our deficit to a more manageable level and to regain our economic sovereignty.
“I want to reassure residents that here will be no curtailment or reduction in the number of Gardai in the Malahide area. There will also be no reduction in Gardaí serving the Rush and Lusk area, despite the closure of Rush Garda Station. This is a cost reducing measure that will have minimum impact on their ability to police the area.
“Nonetheless I can understand why people in Malahide would be disappointed by this decision. Malahide is a significant population centre and the station serves a population of up to 25,000 people. It should also be noted that, taken in tandem with the proposal to put Howth station on a part time basis, this reduces the overall coverage of this part of Fingal significantly.
“Malahide has a thriving pub scene and is a hub of activity, especially at the weekend. As things stand, Malahide will be reliant on Swords Garda station after 10pm. This is far from ideal for Gardai and members of the public both in Malahide and Swords. I have made representations to Minister Shatter on this issue and will continue to push for the restoration of full time status to Malahide Garda station.
“I am surprised by the reaction of Fianna Fail’s Darragh O’Brien to the policing changes. His displeasure with this situation is understandable but, given his role in the destruction of our economy and the failure of successive governments led by his party to rationalise the delivery of public services, he should be aiming his criticism closer to home.
“People in Dublin North and around the country will be living with the impact of 14 years of Fianna Fáil government for a generation. The last thing they need to hear is a Fianna Fáil representative making statements which would make it appear as if they had never been in Government.”