Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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372. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of consideration being given to the development of a new Garda station at Saggart as part of the Citywest campus now in State ownership, as referenced in his Department's community engagement update of 12 June 2026; the timeline for any decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50622/26]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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373. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the engagement he and local Garda management have had with community representatives in Saggart regarding policing priorities and high-visibility patrols in the area surrounding the Citywest Reception Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50623/26]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.

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 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, had 772 Garda members assigned to it as at the end of May 2026. 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.

A Community Engagement Team from my Department has been engaging directly with elected representatives and local stakeholders around the purchase of Citywest since last year.

The engagement process ensures that we listen to the issues that have been identified at local level, to best support planning for essential supports and services that will assist with the integration process.

As part of these 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.