Sinn Féin TD for Fingal East, Ann Graves, has called on Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to provide for a new, fit for purpose Garda Station in Swords.

Speaking in the Dáil, Teachta Graves said:

“Dublin is a great city. Its people, its history, its rich culture makes it a great city to live in.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe. Every community should be a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit.

“But Minister, unfortunately not everyone feels safe here in Dublin. Lack of a visible, accessible, reliable, accountable Garda service has created a sense of fear and desperation in many homes and areas across Dublin.

“Lack of investment, cuts to essential services, poor planning, transport and infrastructure, all contribute to making neighbourhoods unsafe for residents.

“Youth services, mental health services, addiction services, drug task forces have all borne the brunt of government cuts. And these cuts hurt and these cuts damage.

“Gardaí are voting with their feet. We are haemorrhaging Gardaí to the private sector and to immigration. Pay, conditions and morale must be addressed as a matter of urgency by Minister Jim O’Callaghan.

“In my constituency of Fingal East, Swords needs a Garda Station that is fit for purpose. The current situation is totally unacceptable. Swords station serves a population of over 50,000. The Gardaí provide an excellent service and I know this from personal experience.

“But, the station is simply not fit for purpose. The public and the Gardaí deserve better. We deserve a new, fully functioning Garda station that meets the needs of a community with a growing population.

“Swords is currently part of a large district with its headquarters in Coolock. The area includes Coolock, Malahide, Swords, Rolestown and all the way to Coolquay. With an ever-growing population, the future of policing in the area will need the creation of a new Garda District with Swords as its centre point.”