Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will open a new state-of-the-art Garda station on O’Connell Street today.
The Taoiseach will be joined by Justice Minister, Simon Harris, Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris and local area TD, Minister Paschal Donohoe, for the official ribbon-cutting.
The country’s main thoroughfare will get the new Garda hub as part of Operation Citizen, the Government’s commitment to increasing the presence of gardaí on the streets of Dublin.
Read more: Grandmum facing homelessness is 'out of her mind' with worry
The station, which will open to members of the public from today, is located at 13A O’Connell Street, Dublin 1. It will have a public office for members of the public to report crimes, and to provide advice and support to victims of crime.
Speaking ahead of the opening, the Taoiseach said: “The Government is focused on stronger, safer communities.
“The new O’Connell Street Garda Station will provide a high visibility Garda presence in this busy city centre area, and follows the opening of nearby Fitzgibbon Street Garda station.
“It will also enhance Operation Citizen, where Gardaí are reassuring the public, visitors and businesses that Dublin City Centre is a safe place to visit, socialise and do business through an enhanced police presence.
“This will be more than just a police station, as it will also host a permanent office for the Irish Tourism Assistance Service, helping tourists who are victims of crime with practical support such as linking in with embassies and financial services.”
Minister for Justice Simon Harris said: “We are committed to building stronger, safer communities and An Garda Síochána has a long-established tradition of fostering strong relationships with the communities it serves.
“Community policing in an urban environment can be challenging, particularly in the city centre.
“I am confident that the new station on O’Connell street will be a valuable base for Gardaí stationed there to foster stronger relationships with the local community, including business owners.
“These relationships are essential to ensuring An Garda Síochána can deliver a professional, effective and responsive policing service.
A spokeswoman for the Justice Minister added: “The new station will ensure a high visibility policing presence in an area which has significant tourist and commercial footfall.
“The station will also serve as the parade location for Gardaí assigned to Operation Citizen, which is a Garda operation targeting anti-social behaviour and public order, with an emphasis on community and stakeholder engagement.”
Read next:
Guinness to give away 50,000 free pints on Paddy's Day as iconic boozer renamed
Mourners at Jordan Dunbar’s funeral asked to wear ‘bright colours’
RSA warn against unnecessary journeys as Dublin hit with Orange snow warning
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
