Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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438. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will exercise his power under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 to issue a specific directive to the Garda Commissioner to prioritise high-visibility, 24-hour patrols in Saggart Village, County Dublin, as an interim measure until the promised Citywest Garda station is operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29434/26]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, including the allocation and deployment of Garda resources. Decisions regarding patrols, including the deployment of high-visibility or 24-hour patrols, are operational matters for the Commissioner and local Garda management.

I engage regularly with the Commissioner to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. The Garda Vote in Budget 2026 includes unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion which will support the continued recruitment of Garda personnel. This allocation demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.

I am advised that the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division, which includes Saggart and the wider Citywest area, has 742 Garda members assigned to it. The Division's resources are kept under ongoing review having regard to crime trends, population growth and operational demands.

High-visibility patrols are a core element of community policing and form part of Garda operations, including targeted initiatives aimed at deterring crime and supporting community safety. Local Garda management engages with community stakeholders and public representatives in identifying policing priorities within the area.

As part of those engagements and in other fora, community members and elected representatives have raised suggestions about local services. These suggestions include the potential development of a new Garda Station in Saggart as part of the Citywest campus that is now in State ownership. This and other suggestions will be considered in the context of the Government's commitment to listening to local people and leaders and helping to support the delivery of services in the area.

I will continue to engage with him regarding the policing needs of communities.