Gardai get new base in an old drinks club
Gardai will police one of Dublin's busiest districts from a disused social club while their station is being refurbished.
Officers at Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station are being moved to a club formerly used by prison officers working at the nearby Mountjoy Prison, but has been empty in recent times.
More than 100 officers at Fitzgibbon Street will be crammed in to the former club, with no indication about how long they will be based there.
During the refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street, policing in the busy 'U' district, which covers a large swathe of the north inner city, will be run from the nearby Mountjoy garda station.
Rank-and-file gardai are understood to be concerned about the move. A spokesman for the Garda Representative Association said: "We are looking for a commitment for the long-term future of Fitzgibbon Street to meet the policing needs of local people."
Proposals
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern told the Dail recently: "I am advised by Garda authorities that due to its condition, it is necessary to temporarily vacate Fitzgibbons Street station to facilitate refurbishment.
"I am assured by the Garda authorities that current policing levels will be maintained during this period and there will be no diminution of service being provided to the community.
"I am not aware of any proposals to close the Garda station in question. Any such proposal would, in the first instance, have to be made by the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plans."
The refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street was scheduled prior to the publication this week of the An Bord Snip report, which recommended closing half the country's garda stations.
Questions marks remain over a planned station at Kevin Street in the south inner city, on which work has halted.
However, a new garda station opened in Finglas, on Mellowes Road, on July 3.
clooney@herald.ie
- Cormac Looney
