Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this matter and the Minister of State for handling the debate on behalf of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I have raised it due to the importance of the Fitzgibbon Street Garda station to the central Dublin area and the Dublin Central constituency. It is located near the city centre, a residential area and an area that sees considerable throughput and visitors. It is situated near Croke Park and Mountjoy Square. It is in the heart of Dublin's north inner city.

The station is not only important in terms of providing ongoing community policing, the policing required in making Croke Park successful or the policing needed to ensure that the city centre is protected. It is also important in that it provides a passive policing role. Since gardaí are located in a well resourced station, they have the ability to mount quick responses to the incidents that can sometimes occur in an inner city surrounded by diverse communities with different needs that can face many challenges in terms of crime and anti-social behaviour.

I am raising this matter with the Minister of State, to whose response I look forward, because the station's future status appears uncertain. The rumour is that it will be closed for a period to facilitate renovation works. In and of itself, this is no bad thing, as the station needs work. It must be a secure and safe place in which gardaí can work and people can use or visit. The main question, however, relates to what will happen if and while the work is being carried out. I am seeking a guarantee from the Department and an assurance from the Minister of State that, if the station is closed to facilitate any necessary renovation and development works, the closure will be temporary. It should be re-opened at its current level of full resources and supports. This is essential for the maintenance of good policing in the community and for good order and security in an important part of our capital city.