The need for a permanent Gardaí presence and Garda station in Donabate has been raised by Councillor Corina Johnston who recently met with senior Gardaí to raise her concerns.
Johnston said;” Myself and Duncan Smith TD met senior gardai in Ballymun recently following my request to the Garda Commissioner for a meeting in regarding Garda resources in the district and in particular the fast-growing Donabate area. At the meeting we highlighted the urgent need for permanent Garda resources and the need for a Garda clinic to commence on the peninsula immediately. We also raised the need for the provision of a Garda station in the long term.
“We raised our concerns regarding the increase in Anti Social Behaviour in Donabate and referrals by Gardai/Juvenile Liasion officers to youth services (Crosscare) who run projects that are community based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives that aim to divert young people from anti-social or criminal behaviour. We believe with the growing young population permanent youth services and a centre must be provided as a priority to support our youth on the peninsula.”
Johnston said; “In response the Gardai acknowledged our concerns and need for Garda resources and a station on the peninsula and confirmed the following: ongoing issues with recruitment and retention of Gardai which is compounded by increasing retirement numbers. As a result an increase in Garda numbers in the district is not envisaged in the short to medium term.

• No plans for a Garda station in Donabate
• support for Garda Clinic with visibility in and around the town centre
• Garda initiatives to police the area will continue within current resources
• no decision to relocate Swords station to Lissenhall has been made to date.”
  “We thanked the Gardai for their support and acknowledged the ongoing challenges in Garda resourcing. We are pursuing the provision of a Garda clinic with senior Gardai. We also used the opportunity to pass on in person our condolences and the condolences on the tragic death of Garda Kevin Flatley in the line of duty. We are disappointed with the outcome of the meeting and intend to raise the issues of Garda resources and the need for a Garda Station in Donabate with the Minister for Justice. We will keep you informed of developments,” Johnston concluded.