O’Brien renews call for increased Garda protection in Fingal

                -Minister must deliver later opening of Malahide Garda Station -
Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said the early closure of Malahide Garda Station must be reviewed and that an extension to the hours of operation is crucial in providing for the safety and protection of the local community. 


The Deputy’s comments follow his attendance at a meeting held by the Fingal Joint Policing Committee which includes Swords, Donabate/Portrane, Portmarnock, Kinsealy and Malahide.

“Last night’s well attended public meeting was an opportunity to join local Fingal County Councillors and party colleagues, Eoin O’Brien and Adrian Henchy to hear and discuss some of the many concerns regarding policing in our area,” added Deputy O’Brien.


“Dublin Fingal continues to be the fastest growing county in Ireland year on year and remains the busiest district in the capital, yet over the past five years Garda numbers have been cut in the Dublin Fingal area by 20%. Swords in particular have lost 12 full-time Gardaí in the same period.


“I have been campaigning for an increase in resources allocated to Gardaí across Fingal for some time now and I fully support the submission made by local Gardaí to the Minister for Justice to emphasise the critical need to extend the hours of operation at Malahide Garda Station.


“Providing the resources to open Malahide Garda Station later than 9pm would be a hugely beneficial move in deterring criminals in the area and I will be further raising the matter when Dáil Éireann resumes following the Oireachtas Easter recess.


“Cllr. Adrian Henchy and I recently met with the local Garda Superintendent and Inspector to discuss crime and policing issues in North Dublin, and I am very pleased that they acted on our suggestion to establish a local Garda clinic in the Donabate/Portrane area. The clinic plays a crucial role in assuring our public and providing much needed support in the locality. 


“Our society depends on Gardaí to feel safe in their communities and to uphold the rule of law. Particularly in light of recent controversies rebuilding full public confidence and trust in An Garda Siochana is essential.


“The focus must therefore remain on providing measures targeted at crime-prevention across the south end of Fingal. This Government must do more to reassure our local community that proper resources are being allocated to tackle crime in the locality in order to rebuild public trust in the institution.


“Extending the hours of Malahide Garda Station will be one major step towards ensuring that those living in the locality can live in safety and without fear,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.