The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has warned that garda shortages in Cork city will soon result in four large areas being left with reduced Garda presence. Due to a lack of manpower, the garda units currently covering Douglas and Carrigaline will be effectively amalgamated into one unit covering both areas within a month. The same arrangement is planned for Bishopstown and Ballincollig, with gardaí on duty in one area also covering the other.
Pádraig Harrington, the GRA delegate for Cork city, explained that reduced garda numbers would mean gardaí working in one area would also be on call in a neighbouring area. He highlighted the lack of garda resources across the city and expressed concerns about the impact on the policing service, stating that if 50% of the time there are no guards on duty in these areas, the service will inevitably be affected.
Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central, said that there had been repeated warnings about staffing in the Togher district over many years, which were largely ignored by garda management. He has urgently sought a meeting with the assistant garda commissioner and has spoken with justice minister Jim O'Callaghan.
A garda spokesperson said the priority was to have local gardaí on patrol in their local communities, and that the public counter opening hours of garda sub stations was not equivalent to the availability of gardaí patrolling in the community. They emphasized that outside of these opening hours, gardaí continue to operate from these stations, are on patrol, are involved in community engagement and investigations, and are available to respond to assist the public. In emergency situations, the public should always contact 999/112.
The Carrigaline Community Garda Forum will take place on Thursday 27th March from 6:30 to 8pm in the Carrigaline Community Complex.
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