Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

A 2013 protest against the closure. Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Stepaside Garda Station to reopen after 'rise in crime' since its closure

The closure has led to six years of protests in the south Dublin town of about 20,000.

TRANSPORT MINISTER SHANE Ross has confirmed that Stepaside Garda Station will reopen.

Ross has made the reopening of the station a key plank of his local platform. It is one of 113 stations closed since 2011.

The closure has led to years of protests in the south Dublin town of about 20,000, but closure was strongly defended by local TD and former Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

In 2013, Shatter said:

“The closure of the Stepaside Garda station will not result in a loss of Gardaí in the Stepaside area. The 34 Garda members currently stationed in Stepaside will be primarily based in Dundrum Garda Station with some also stationed in Blackrock station.”

However, the Association of Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) said in 2016 that crime was up in the area.

Ross confirmed the reopening today on Twitter:

Fine Gael TD Josepha Madigan said the recommendation had come from the Garda Commissioner on the basis of population and crime trends.

“It was reported last year that there was a 50% increase in burglaries recorded in the general environs of Stepaside since the closure of this Garda station, and with the growing population and an increased demographic, it is clear that this community needs a Garda station.

“The Office of Public Works will now work with the gardaí on the refurbishment of the station.”

Green Party Deputy Leader Catherine Martin welcomed the decision.

“This is a very important first step in tackling the rise in crime in the Stepaside area which has occurred since the station closed. It will provide an important on-the-ground garda presence which will help deter crime and allow residents of the Stepaside and surrounding areas to feel safer in their homes and communities.”

Read: Gardaí say crime in Stepaside is up and it’s time to reopen the station

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
38 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds