Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for his intervention the week before last on behalf of the residents of Melrose Park, Kinsealy in Fingal, who were flooded. His assistance there was very much appreciated.

There is grave concern in Malahide, Kinsealy and Portmarnock about the review being carried out in the Dublin metropolitan policing area. It has been reported that Malahide Garda Station is part of the review list. It is a significant station with 33 gardaí. It has been there since the foundation of the State and was an RIC barracks before that. The population of the area is 25,000, and growing. The closure or restriction of Howth Garda Station is also being talked about. This would mean the entire local authority area of Malahide and Howth, with 50,000 residents, would not have a Garda station.

The only thing I was ever involved in closing in Malahide was a head shop. The gardaí were very helpful in that matter. I assume the Government will not preside over the closure of Malahide Garda Station.

I am aware of the review. The closure and rationalisation of Garda stations has largely been reported as a rural issue. This is not the case. Garda stations in Whitehall, Howth, Malahide and other urban locations are also threatened.

Can the Minister of State confirm to the people of Malahide, Kinsealy and Portmarnock that the station in Malahide will continue as a 24 hour and seven day a week station, that its hours will not be restricted and that it will not be closed and its functions transferred to Swords?