A new Garda station will be opened on Dublin’s O’Connell Street today.
The new station will ensure a high visibility policing presence in an area to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Last year, an edition of RTE’s Prime Time labelled O’Connell Street as a “haven for drug dealing”.
The new station, which suffered a series of setbacks, will now be open close to the Savoy cinema for members of the public to report crimes, and to provide advice and support to victims of crime.
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.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris Said: “The opening of the O’Connell Street Garda station is one of a number of measures that An Garda Síochána has taken to re-assure all those that live, work or visit in and around the main street of our capital city that your local Gardaí are here to keep you safe.
“This has included Operation Citizen, which since its introduction in October 2021 has resulted in over 10,500 arrests and more than €6m worth of drugs being taken off the streets of Dublin. Local Gardaí are also involved in a wide-range of inter-agency initiatives to reduce anti-social behaviour, and encourage people to visit and enjoy Dublin city centre.
“This new facility will further strengthen our capabilities as an effective and efficient police service dedicated to guarding the peace and upholding the rule of law.”