Stepaside Garda Station should become a Protected Structure & Community Facility – Madigan

Minister for Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, has welcomed plans to reopen Stepaside Garda station as a “modular” facility but is asking if the old station building could be categorised as “a Protected Structure,” and put to good use.

The Office of Public Works reportedly favours the establishment of a new modular station in Stepaside, which would amount to a facility built in sections and then transported to the site. The modular station would be facilitated in the car park of the existing station.

Minister Madigan said: “I have asked officials in my Department to investigate if the existing station is a suitable property to be categorised as a protected structure.

“If so, I would like to see the ‘old’ Garda building put to use as a community facility rather than just lying idle.

“Stepaside’s growing population means it is crucial that the community is well served by a local Garda station.

“It was reported 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.

“So it will be very reassuring for everyone in Stepaside to know that a Garda presence is actively returning to the area. I, along with lots of local businesses, residents and community organisations have been calling the station to be reopened for quite some time. I have no doubt all will join me in welcoming this move.

“I would like to see the installation of the new modular station begin as soon as possible.”