Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am glad to be able to give Senator Donohoe the absolute assurance he is seeking. I would like to thank him for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Fitzgibbon Street station has a long and proud record of service to the people of north inner-city Dublin. It is to be refurbished to allow it maintain that record into the future. There is absolutely no threat to the future of Fitzgibbon Street Station. The Minister has been happy in recent times to give that same assurance to my Dáil colleague, Deputy Cyprian Brady.

On 30 October the personnel strength at Fitzgibbon Garda station was 120. Fitzgibbon Garda station forms part of the DMR north central Garda division. On the same date, the personnel strength of the DMR north central Garda division was 718. There are 23 community gardaí attached to Fitzgibbon Street Garda station and four juvenile liaison officers attached to the DMR north central Garda division.

The Minister has been informed by the Garda authorities that, due to its condition, it is necessary to temporarily vacate Fitzgibbon Street Garda station to facilitate refurbishment of the premises. During this period, the Garda personnel allocated to Fitzgibbon Street will operate from Mountjoy Garda station. The Minister has been also assured by the Garda authorities that current policing levels will be maintained and that there will be no diminution of the service being provided to the local community. The Minister would emphasise that the measures referred to will be temporary and that they will be discontinued when the necessary refurbishment work at Fitzgibbon Street Station has been completed.

Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The reply says it all. I appreciate it and will pass on the information to the local community.

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Before concluding, having been in this House practically every week since we resumed in September and sometimes several times a week, I take this opportunity to thank the Cathaoirleach and all Members for their courtesy and co-operation, and all members of staff for their support. I wish everyone a happy Christmas and a successful new year.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thank you. I wish the Minister of State the same.

Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish the Minister of State a happy Christmas. I believe I have engaged with him more often than I have with anybody else in the House. I wish him a good period of rest and a happy new year.