Calls for Donard station to be properly manned
DONARD Garda Station is set to reopen following its closure in 2013.
Donard is one of six Garda Stations which will reopen following the carrying out of a review.
Billy Timmins, who recently applied to rejoin Fine Gael, has welcomed the news.
‘Donard Garda Station is located in a vast and wide rural area that doesn’t have a Garda presence. However, the reopened station must be manned adequately. Donard is located near to the military range in the Glen of Imaal and it is important there is a Garda presence there.
‘The most important thing is that we have the proper personnel numbers and equipment because modern security is all about mobility and response times.’
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Andrew Doyle, has said the whole Donard community can now look forward to a safer future after working for Garda station to be restored.
‘A report from the Garda Commissioner has found that Donard Garda station should reopen, and the Commissioner has written to the Office of Public Works to progress the opening. This is a Christmas wish come true for the area and means the whole community can look forward to a safer future with a dedicated Garda presence back in the village. Donard is strategically located close to the N81 and gateway to the Wicklow Mountains. The regular presence of An Garda Síochána will be welcomed by the local community and visiting tourists.
‘It has always been my view that the closure of Donard Garda station was the wrong decision. The station’s closure has damaged the local community, leaving them feeling significantly less safe and less secure. The Garda station at Donard now functions as a base for Red Cross, who alongside with the mountain rescue team provide another vital voluntary community service. It is important that the OPW engage with these organisations in relation to the reopening of this station.’ TWO Arklow companies were proud to contribute to the fund to erect a statue in Arklow in honour of Olympic gold medal winning athlete Ronnie Delany.
Representatives from Arklow Shipping and Servier met with Arklow Municipal District elected members and officials at the local council offices recently to hand over funding.
The statue was previously voted for by the members and the project is expected to go out to tender in the near future.
The structure is to be erected in the Parade Ground area of the town and is expected to cost in the region of €80,000.