Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay North Denise Mitchell TD has accused the Government of failing to appreciate the need for an additional Garda station on the Northside. Teachta Mitchell was speaking during a debate on a Bill to address knife crime more seriously.

Teachta Mitchell said:

“Residents in the area recognise the pressure the Gardaí in Coolock are under. However, the response from Government has been lacklustre to put it mildly.

“In fact, the situation in the area has become a political football for some in the area.

“On the one hand, Fine Gael local representatives are shouting from the rooftops to constituents that a new Garda Station is on the way, while their own Minister for Justice won’t provide any resources to make that a reality.

“The Gardaí in my area are under increasing pressure, and part of that is down to the very rapid population growth and development of the Clongriffin and so-called ‘Northern Fringe’ area.

“While attempts to stem the growing levels of knife crime are welcome, it is a drop in the ocean as to what is required to allow people to feel safe and confident bringing up their families.

“I would call on the Government to ensure that capital funding is identified and prioritised for a new station, alongside more resources for the current Garda stations in the Dublin Bay North area.

“We need change in identified areas of serious crime, not just where some Cabinet Ministers see it as an election platform.”