Swords Garda Station
Swords Garda Station is located on Main Street Swords at the junction of Malahide Road and the Main Street. The station is operational 24 hours a day. Phone 6664700 or the confidential line 1800 666 111 Fax 6664740
Swords Garda Station is a key law enforcement and community policing hub in the Swords area of County Dublin. It is located on Main Street at the junction of Malahide Road.
Key Information
Services and Functions
Swords Garda Station provides a range of services to the public, including:
Key Information
- Address: Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 RF70
- Phone: +353 1 666 4700
- Opening Hours: The station is operational 24 hours a day.
Services and Functions
Swords Garda Station provides a range of services to the public, including:
- Emergency Response: The station is a 24-hour point of contact for emergency calls. In an emergency, you should always dial 999 or 112.
- Community Policing: The station has Community Police Sergeants who work with local residents and groups to address local issues and provide crime prevention advice.
- Public Services: The station assists with a variety of public queries, including reporting crimes, seeking advice, and accessing support services.
- Divisional HQ: Swords Garda Station falls under the Dublin Metropolitan Region Northern Division, with its Divisional Headquarters located in Ballymun.
A Little Bit Of History
After the R.I.C. disbanded, the first ''Garda'' station to be established was in the town of Swords. They got their training at Collinstown Aerodrome. [ Dublin Airport ]. During the civil war in Ireland airplanes from Collinstown were used to transport mail to Aldergrove in Northern Ireland.
By 1922 the service ended as the road in the Phoenix Park was seen as a better option as it was closer to Dublin City, at that time Collinstown was a rural area with a poor road from the city.
At the time of the civil war there were still R.I.C. and British army men stationed at the Airport. They had been there to hold German prisoners of war from W.W.1 who numbered over 600. When the first world war ended operations were transferred to Cambridgeshire in England.
After the R.I.C. disbanded, the first ''Garda'' station to be established was in the town of Swords. They got their training at Collinstown Aerodrome. [ Dublin Airport ]. During the civil war in Ireland airplanes from Collinstown were used to transport mail to Aldergrove in Northern Ireland.
By 1922 the service ended as the road in the Phoenix Park was seen as a better option as it was closer to Dublin City, at that time Collinstown was a rural area with a poor road from the city.
At the time of the civil war there were still R.I.C. and British army men stationed at the Airport. They had been there to hold German prisoners of war from W.W.1 who numbered over 600. When the first world war ended operations were transferred to Cambridgeshire in England.
Introduction
The Garda Síochána, the national police service in Ireland, plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. With a history dating back to the 19th century, the Gardaí have been an integral part of Irish society, building strong relationships within local communities. However, in recent years, the Gardaí have faced significant challenges, including budget cuts and station closures. This thesis will examine the impact of Garda station closures on communities in Ireland, with a focus on the social, economic, and safety implications.
Background
In 2012, the Irish government announced a plan to close 139 Garda stations across the country as part of cost-cutting measures. This decision was met with widespread criticism and protests, with many arguing that the closures would have a detrimental impact on the safety and security of local communities. While the government argued that the closures were necessary to address budgetary constraints, the decision was met with skepticism and concern from citizens and public officials alike.
The Impact on Community Safety
One of the primary concerns surrounding Garda station closures is the impact on community safety. With fewer stations and officers available, response times to emergency calls may increase, leaving citizens vulnerable to crime. This is especially concerning in rural areas, where closures have been more prevalent, and response times were already longer due to distance and limited resources. In addition, the visible presence of a Garda station in a community serves as a deterrent to potential criminals. With fewer stations, the sense of security for citizens may diminish, leading to increased fear and anxiety.
The Economic Impact
The closure of Garda stations can also have a significant economic impact on local communities. The presence of a Garda station can act as a symbol of stability and safety, which can be attractive to businesses and potential investors. With fewer stations, communities may struggle to attract new businesses and investments, leading to a decline in the local economy. In addition, the closure of stations can also result in job losses for Gardaí and support staff, affecting both individuals and their families.
Social Impact
Garda stations are not just a place for law enforcement; they also serve as a community hub. The closure of stations can result in the loss of a central meeting place for the community, affecting social cohesion and support networks. In rural areas, Garda stations often act as a primary point of contact for individuals in need of assistance, such as victims of domestic violence or elderly citizens in need of support. With station closures, these individuals may have to travel longer distances to access services, leading to increased isolation and vulnerability.
Alternative Solutions
While the closure of Garda stations may seem like a necessary cost-cutting measure, alternative solutions should be explored. One such solution is the implementation of shared services between stations in neighboring areas, rather than outright closures. This would allow for cost savings while maintaining a visible presence in the community and potentially improving response times. Another solution could be the reallocation of resources from administrative roles to frontline policing. This would ensure a more efficient use of resources and potentially reduce the need for station closures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the closure of Garda stations has a multifaceted impact on local communities in Ireland. From the potential increase in crime rates to the economic and social implications, the effects can be far-reaching and long-lasting. While budget constraints may have prompted the closures, it is crucial for the government to consider the safety and well-being of its citizens. Alternative solutions should be explored to minimize the impact on communities, and the importance of maintaining a visible presence of law enforcement in local communities should not be underestimated.
Map showing location of Garda Station