Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has expressed serious concern over the ongoing delays on commencing essential upgrade works at Greystones Garda Station, delays which he says are completely unacceptable and deeply frustrating for both Gardaí and the local community.
Speaking on the issue, Deputy Brady said:
“It is absolutely disgraceful that despite the clear and long-standing need for these works which were identified back as far as 2006, none of the promised internal refurbishment has yet to even begin. The condition of the station is not fit for purpose and has been flagged repeatedly by staff and members of the public alike”.
Deputy Brady noted that in the run-up to the recent General Election, An Tánaiste Simon Harris made high-profile announcements regarding the €1.5 million investment the government was to implement in carrying out works in Garda stations across Wicklow, including Greystones. At the time, it was claimed that works in Greystones Garda Station would be completed in early 2025.
“We were assured that badly needed internal upgrades would be carried out promptly and completed by now, yet here we are, halfway through the year and the OPW has still not commenced these works. It is simply not good enough. These essential upgrades were to include a female toilet, space reconfiguration and public access works and promised to be finished by the 31st of March this year. Here we are in June and they still have not started. It is simply unacceptable that in this day and age, a Garda Station would not have wheelchair access,” said Brady.
The Sinn Féin TD also highlighted a critical missed opportunity to expand the station into the adjoining Coast Guard building, but due to government inaction in building the new Coast Guard station at the Marina, this has fallen to the wayside and the Garda Station is no longer expanding.
“That building was meant to allow the station to expand and modernise, but because the Government dragged its heels, the opportunity was lost. Development of the Coast Guard station has stalled considerably, and Gardaí were forced to continue operating out of a cramped and outdated building”.
This lack of space, Brady said, has had real consequences for policing in the town.
“The limited size of the current station means there has been no capacity to increase Garda numbers or to expand operations. This impacts not just working conditions for the Gardaí, but the level of service they can provide to the community”.
Deputy Brady confirmed he has met directly with the local Garda Superintendent to discuss the urgent need for the upgrades, and that he has formally written to both the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, seeking immediate clarity and a firm timeline for when the OPW will finally carry out the works.
“I have made it clear to both Ministers that this delay is unacceptable. The current condition of the station is placing unnecessary strain on Garda staff and is failing the people of Greystones. It is time for the Government to stop the empty promises and deliver on their commitments,” he said.
Brady concluded:
“I will continue to apply pressure at every level to ensure these essential works are carried out without any further delay. Greystones deserves a Garda station that is fit for purpose, properly resourced, and capable of meeting the needs of the fast-growing community”.
ENDS