The Department of Justice could open a new station in Citywest, after the area was engulfed by violence last week. 

On Monday, a child was allegedly assaulted close to the Citywest Hotel and an asylum seeker was charged in connection with the attack. 

In the evenings that followed, several Gardaí were injured, as furious protestors hurled bricks and bottles at them. 

 A Garda van burns outside the Citywest. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov /RollingNews.ie.

In the aftermath, a community engagement team was sent to Saggart in County Dublin, where locals said they felt they needed a more visible Garda presence in the area. 

There has been concern for some time that the area around Citywest is underpoliced, despite a growing population. 

“They have to rely on policing from a small station in nearby Rathcoole,” Irish Times Crime & Security Editor Conor Lally told The Pat Kenny Show. 

“That’s not a full time station and lacks interview rooms, cells and other modern amenities. 

“So, business owners and residents have long been calling for a Garda station to serve the area of Saggart.” 

Gardaí outside Citywest. Picture by: RollingNews.ie. 

Earlier this year, the Citywest Hotel was purchased by the State for €148 million to house asylum seekers while their applications are processed. 

The hotel came with a 120 acre site and locals believe much of the land could be put to good use by the State. 

“50 of those acres are currently undeveloped,” Mr Lally explained. 

“Obviously, there’s the large hotel there, a number of other buildings and a gym on the site. 

“So, there is plenty of space for a Garda station. 

“Even aside from all the recent violence and alleged incident, the site would be a logical place for a Garda station since the State last month finalised the completion of the site.” 

Gardaí outside Citywest. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.

Mr Lally added that many in the community feel Citywest has huge potential, given the amount of land available - with a library and a community centre among the potential proposals.  

“So, the local community has been asking nearly as compensation - for want of a better word, ‘Okay, you’ve bought this land - at least use some of it to develop local amenities,’” he said.

Main image: A Garda van burns outside the Citywest. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.