The Department of Justice has proposed using part of the Citywest complex as the location for a new full-time Garda station to serve the Saggart area.
The announcement comes in the wake of heightened community tensions following an incident involving an asylum seeker and a young girl, which drew nationwide attention and sparked protests over the past week.
Local councillor Francis Timmons confirmed the development after attending a community engagement meeting on Tuesday where the update was shared.
Cllr Timmons said the Department of Justice had “offered to provide a site for a Garda station on the grounds of the state-owned Citywest complex,” but added that responsibility for funding and staffing rests with the Garda Commissioner.
He described the proposal as a step in the right direction but said urgent action was needed to improve safety for residents.
Calls for Community Safety and Full-Time Policing
The Saggart area is currently served by Rathcoole Garda Station, which operates on limited hours. The station opens daily from 8am to 6pm but closes for one hour between 1pm and 2pm.
Residents have long argued that the area needs a dedicated full-time Garda presence, particularly following recent incidents that have left many feeling unsafe.
Cllr Timmons said he had spoken to numerous locals in Saggart and nearby communities who expressed growing concern about security.
“It’s not good enough, and I demand that the community is listened to,” he said. “The Department of Justice and the government must act immediately to restore a sense of safety and trust in Saggart.”
He added that the proposed 24-hour station would allow Gardaí to respond faster to emergencies and better serve the growing population in the area.
Tensions After Citywest Unrest
The development follows several days of unrest outside the Citywest complex last week, where protests escalated into violent clashes.
A Garda van was set on fire, and projectiles were thrown at members of the Public Order Unit. Gardaí confirmed that more than 30 people have been arrested in connection with the disturbance, with investigations still ongoing.
Authorities have appealed for further information from the public to identify those involved in the disorder.
The Citywest complex, which includes a hotel and conference centre, was purchased outright by the State in August for €148.2 million. It continues to operate as a transit and accommodation centre for people seeking international protection.
Cllr Timmons said the location now provides a unique opportunity to establish a permanent Garda base.
“The State now owns the Citywest complex, and this would be an ideal location to base a station that could serve the four surrounding districts and ensure a rapid emergency response,” he said.
Local residents are expected to continue pressing for firm commitments from Garda leadership on staffing and operational timelines for the proposed station.
Editing by M10News Political Desk | Contact: politics@m10news.com
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