Press release
Minister for Justice Simon Harris opens Dublin Metropolitan Control Centre at Heuston Station
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Justice Simon Harris is today opening the new Garda Síochána DMR Control Centre based at the National Train Control Centre at Heuston Station in Dublin.
This state-of-the art new premises, which will house the operations of call takers and dispatchers, is another step forward in modernising An Garda Síochána and strengthening links with public transport operators.
This call and dispatch centre, located on a floor in the new National Train Control Centre in Heuston Station, is the nerve centre to Garda operations in the Dublin Metropolitan region and the personnel working there are the people at the frontline taking sometimes the most challenging and time-sensitive calls.
Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council are also expected to locate their control rooms there in the near future.
The location of An Garda Síochána, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council control centres in the same building will help Gardaí to build upon the already excellent relationships they have with public transport providers, particularly in the event of serious emergencies requiring coordinated responses.
An Garda Síochána also plan to increase their presence in some other stations in the time ahead.
Remarking on the opening, Minister for Justice Simon Harris said:
“We are committed to building stronger, safer communities by ensuring An Garda Síochána have state of the art premises and allowing for greater co-operation with CIE and Dublin City Council.
“I am delighted to join Commissioner Harris in opening these new facilities today.
“It is crucial that anyone who finds themselves in an emergency situation has the confidence to call 999 and know that their call will be responded to promptly and professionally. I want to thank the call and dispatch staff for affording callers that confidence.
“And I look forward to this facility being used jointly by An Garda Síochána, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council to improve public safety.”
The new €40 million building was funded by the National Transport Authority under the National Development Plan and is designed to Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards.
Functions from Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council will be co-located in the building along with the Garda Síochána DMR Control Centre.
The Office of Public Works oversaw the planning and fit-out for the 999 call taking and dispatch centre.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, said:
“I am very pleased to see the Dublin Regional Metropolitan Control Centre have settled into their modern, purpose-built new home smoothly thanks to the rigorous testing and planning that preceded their move. I want to commend the OPW’s in-house teams that have been working in close collaboration with Irish Rail throughout the design and construction process of the National Train Control Centre at Heuston to ensure the new premises for An Garda Síochána achieve the highest standards. This is a building of the future, from co-locating important emergency services in the capital to showcasing the very best in sustainable design, energy optimisation, smart technology in use throughout and even green energy generation on site.”
Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnród Éireann said:
“I would like to welcome our colleagues from An Garda Síochána to the National Train Control Centre. Having An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council Co-located with ourselves in this state of the art building will further enhance our existing close relationship and ensure that we can all provide the best possible service to the communities that we serve.”
A range of regional and local operations have been put in place by Gardaí to prevent and detect criminal activity on public transport.
For example, Operation Twin Track was a Community Engagement and Rail Safety Policing Initiative conducted by Gardaí in partnership with other public transportation stakeholders with the purpose of providing high visibility policing of rail and light rail transport within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice.
In January 2022, Operation Saul was launched to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services in the Dublin Metropolitan Region together with reassuring the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin that it is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy all its amenities.
The DMR Control Centre is responsible for all 999 call taking and dispatching in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
The DMR Control Centre was previously located in Harcourt Square. Due to the need to vacate Harcourt Square, AGS required alternative accommodation for the units housed there.
Walter Scott House, opened in 2022, provided the majority of units in Harcourt Square with new premises.
A small number of units and Bureau previously based in Harcourt Sq could not be housed in Walter Scott House due to limitations on space.
AGS and OPW sourced space in the National Train Control Centre (NTCC) located in Heuston Station and agreed with Irish Rail for the use of this space for DMR Control Centre.
The DMR Control Centre now occupies the 3rd floor of the NTCC building.
Gardaí will not be assigned to operational duty (for example, patrolling) from the NTCC. It is a control base for 999 call taking and dispatching services only.