Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

From the outset, I assure the Deputy that the development of a substantial new Garda station and facilities on Dublin City Council lands at the corner of the R139 and the Malahide Road at Northern Cross is considered a strategic priority for An Garda Síochána and has the full support of Government. I believe the station would be a great addition, and that is the view of An Garda Síochána, not least because of the landmark location. It is in a high visibility area with a huge catchment. There is obviously significant housing development taking place. It is a key artery into the city and straddles two councils.

The Office of Public Works is leading on this project and there is ongoing and positive engagement between the OPW and Dublin City Council. This is in consultation with An Garda Síochána on the development of the site at Northern Cross. The OPW has undertaken a high level impact study of the site. There is a detailed brief of requirements being developed with An Garda Síochána. Under the national development plan, we are committed to investing significant levels of capital funding into An Garda Síochána to deliver a Garda station modernisation and refurbishment programme, to deliver strategic ICT and digitalisation projects, and to providing a modern, fit-for-purpose Garda fleet. This is a core part of the Government’s plan to build stronger, safer communities. The Northern Cross project is obviously a substantial Garda station including a new divisional headquarters for the Dublin metropolitan region north. It is one of the most significant Garda building investments in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and I very much look forward to its development.

There is ongoing engagement between the OPW and Dublin City Council. This is the point we are at. I would like it to be moving quicker, but the support is there and the capital is there. It is a matter of making sure that whatever needs to be agreed between the OPW and Dublin City Council can happen as quickly as possible. My understanding is that there have been more positive soundings in the past weeks. An Garda Síochána is waiting to get a letter back to that effect.

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