Cork getting raw deal when it comes to Garda numbers - MEP Kelleher

Billy Kelleher MEP has said that while most of the media attention has been on crime in Dublin, the city and county of Cork and our regional towns in Munster and South Leinster, due to the huge uptick in crime and anti-social behaviour, requires urgent additional Garda resources.

“Sadly increasing crime and anti-social behaviour on our streets is no longer just an issue for the capital. Outside of Dublin, lawless youths and a complete disregard for traditional norms in our communities are putting citizens and communities under significant pressure.

“We hear regularly about the need for additional Garda resources in Dublin. However, cities like Cork cannot be ignored and starved of the support they need to keep their streets safe.

“As I and other election candidates hit the streets campaigning; one of the biggest concerns being raised is the abject lack of respect on our streets by certain elements of society.

“People regularly see open drug dealing; rampant shoplifting and aggressive anti-social behaviour on city streets and also more recently in towns and villages in rural communities.

“To make matters worse, despite all the pronouncements from the Garda Commissioner about more Gardaí being put on the beat, you will not see a regular Garda presence in our communities, especially outside the main city centres.

“At the end of March 2024, there was a total force strength of 14,058. Cork with a population of nearly 580,000, has just 1271 Gardaí.

“On a very simple comparison of Garda numbers to population, Cork should have at least 1600 Gardaí. This is a deficit of over 300 Garda members in our city and rural towns.

“Ultimately, we need more Gardaí on the beat everywhere. The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD needs to find better ways of enticing people into joining An Garda Síochána. They need better conditions, and clearer guidance on what their role is in society. Many serving Gardaí feel they do not have the powers and the political backup needed to do their job properly.

“Cork cannot be forgotten about. We have a growing population that has the same right to Garda resources as any other part of this State. It’s time the people of Cork had Gardaí on the beat again to make them and their families feel safe,” concluded Kelleher.

-ENDS-