Department of Justice will provide a site for a Garda station on the grounds of the state-owned Citywest complex
Site for Garda Station at the state-owned Citywest complex
The Department of Justice has offered to use a site on the Citywest complex for the proposed full-time 24-hour Saggart Garda Station.
The news comes after an incident involving an asylum seeker and a young girl that received nationwide attention and regular protests in the last week.
Councillor Francis Timmons attended the community engagement team meeting on Tuesday where the news was shared.
Cllr Timmons exclaimed: “The Department [of Justice] has said they will provide a site for a Garda station on the grounds of the state-owned Citywest complex, but it’s up to the Garda Commissioner to provide resources!”
The area of Saggart is currently served by Rathcoole Garda Station, which has limited opening hours.
Rathcoole’s station is open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm but closes for an hour from 1pm to 2pm in between this.
The proposal for the Saggart station will provide a station closer to home for locals as well as one that can be visited outside of many people’s working hours.
Cllr Timmons said: “It’s not good enough and I demand that the community is listened to.
I have spoken to and listened to many people in Saggart and surrounding areas who feel unsafe and in fear, the Department of Justice and government must act immediately to restore a sense of community safety in Saggart.”
Gardaí have continued to make arrests following the chaotic scenes at Citywest last week, which saw a Garda van set alight, and projectiles launched at the Public Order Unit.
Over 30 people have been arrested for their role in the public disorder with Gardaí still appealing for information on persons involved.
The State completed the purchase of the Citywest Hotel and Conference Centre in August for €148.2 million and has continued to use it as a transit hub and accommodation centre for people seeking international protection.
“The state now owns the Citywest complex, and this would be an ideal location to base a station to serve the Four districts and to enable a rapid response to the public.
“I’ve heard of people not reporting crime due to a feeling of ‘what’s the point!’ This is not good enough…no one should feel unsafe in their community regardless of where there from.”
According to the Department of Justice, the site is one of the “suggestions” under consideration.
The Department of Justice stated: “Community members and elected representatives have raised suggestions about local services as part of these engagements, and in other fora.
“These suggestions include the potential development of a new Garda Station in Saggart as part of the Citywest campus that is now in State ownership.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
