Minister Denies Reports That Greystones Garda Station Could Close.

Reports had emerged that Greystones Garda Station could be closed, with personnel moved to Bray Station.

Local Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore says that this absolutely cannot happen as the populations of Greystones, Kilcoole, Delgany and Newcastle continue to grow strongly.

Deputy Whitmore says she will raise this with the Minister for Justice urgently.

However In a statement issued this evening, Minister Simon Harris said there are no plans to close the station in Greystones.

"Not only must Greystones Garda Station remain open, it needs to be expanded to provide fit for purpose facilities for Gardai stationed there and for the needs of our growing community.

Our local Gardai in County Wicklow must be supported in their excellent work. During my time as Justice Minister, I took a number of steps to try and do this including producing a new law to increase the sentence for anyone who assaults a member of An Garda Siochana or attacks their vehicle.

As the number of new Gardai emerging from Templemore College increases in the months ahead, it is really important that we see an increase in Garda numbers throughout County Wicklow and this is particularly merited considering the increase in the population in our county.

I will continue to work to support members of the Gardai in our county and in my role in Government.

I am very much aware of the ongoing roster issue in An Garda Siochana and I really hope that meaningful engagement can take place to find a solution that works for Garda members and works for the policing needs of our communities."