Ross backing €1.2m ‘modular garda station’ plan for Stepaside

TRANSPORT Minister Shane Ross has backed down on his demand to have Stepaside garda station reopened and welcomed a proposal for a modular station to be constructed on the site.

In a letter to constituents, Mr Ross said the purpose-built modular building would cost €1.2m and be completed in 11 months.

“Initially I was hesitant about this option as I have a preference for the station being based in the original building,” he said. “However, I went to Garda HQ yesterday to view another similar building which houses the Forensic Science Institute and I was highly impressed with the standard, the finish, and the facilities.”

He said reopening the existing Garda station would cost €2.4m and take up to three years to complete.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Josepha Madigan has called for the closed Stepaside garda station to be retained as a listed building. In a statement issued by Fine Gael yesterday, Ms Madigan welcomed the modular station proposal, which is expected to be given the green light in the coming weeks.

However, she also revealed she instructed officials in her department to investigate if the station is suitable to be listed 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,” she said.