Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, Alan Farrell, has welcomed confirmation from the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána does not plan to close any further Garda stations, and specifically, the local station in Malahide.
“With the Garda Commissioner, Nóirín O’Sullivan, appearing before the Oireachtas Justice, Defence and Equality, today (Wednesday), I used this opportunity to again raise the issue of Garda station closures, and in particular, to request clarification on the future of Malahide Garda station.
“I am pleased that the Garda Commissioner confirmed that An Garda Síochána have no plans for any further Garda station closures. I am sure this will provide residents with reassurances that the local station in Malahide will not be closed.
“The Commissioner stated that the public desk hours at Malahide station will not change at his point in time. Furthermore, she reiterated that the focus of An Garda Síochána is on ensuring Gardaí are visible on our streets and in our local community. This will be bolstered as Garda recruitment continues, with 550 new Gardaí having started their training this year, and a further 600 Gardaí being recruited in 2016. In fact, the next tranche of new Gardaí are due to be allocated to stations across the country in January.
“It is positive for the local community in Malahide, Portmarnock, and Kinsealy that confirmation has been provided by Commissioner O’Sullivan that Malahide Garda station will remain open. Policing in the North County will be further strengthened by the continued investment by this Government in Garda recruitment, the provision of vehicles and legislation imposing tougher sentences on prolific burglars.”