32 probationers start

Garda numbers have been temporarily increased for the festive season.

The 32 probationary gardaí began working on Leeside on Monday and are set to stay until the beginning of January after which eight will be made permanent and the remaining 24 being deployed to stations across the country.

The probationers have been temporarily assigned to Anglesea Street, Mayfield, Watercourse Road, Togher, Douglas, Carrigaline, Gurranabraher, Ballincollig, Bridewell and Blackrock Garda stations.

The remaining eight gardaí will be stationed at Anglesea Street and Mayfield garda stations.

Speaking at Anglesea Street Garda Station, Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin said: “The 32 probationers will be deployed to assist our gardaí in the city at keys times that have been identified by the garda analysis services. Our aim is proving high viability policing to tackle thefts, drugs, public order incidents and to help the flow of traffic in the city.

“The probationer gardaí will be in addition to the regular members that policing the city, as well as an additional one sergeant and four gardaí who will be patrolling the city centre. Members from our Roads Policing Unit will also be increasing checkpoints targeting drink and drug driving and other general road offences.”

He added: “The flow of traffic will increase in the city and I would ask that where possible, people avail of public transport and use the park and ride facility we have here in Cork. Have a plan in place if you are going out socialising and most importantly, have a safe and happy Christmas.”