THE Government is to implement changes to the boundaries of Garda divisions in Dublin to take account of the growth in population in the western suburbs of the city. The number of Garda divisions in the city is being increased from five to six, with a new Dublin Metropolitan Area western division being created.
It is the first change to the divisional structure of the DMA since the foundation of the State. A recommendation that a sixth division be created in the west of the city was made seven years ago.
The new division is to have its headquarters at the new Blanchardstown Garda Station which is under construction. Until then the divisional headquarters for the new division will be at Lucan Garda Station.
The Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, also announced yesterday that the divisional headquarters for DMA South, which has been in Crumlin Garda Station, will be moved to Tallaght Garda Station. In a statement last night, the Minister said this reflected the rapid rise in population and economic, social and cultural development of Tallaght in the past five years.
The Minister for Commerce, Science and Technology, Mr Pat Rabbitte, whose constituency is in Dublin South West, issued a statement yesterday welcoming the announcement that Tallaght had been upgraded to a divisional headquarters.