Garda shortages spark concern over safety in city
By Liudmyla Bortok
Cork city must move quickly to set up its Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) a city councillor has warned, suggesting that delays could leave communities more vulnerable due to garda shortages and concerns around public safety.
The new safety partnerships, announced last week by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, will be rolled out across every local authority. They will replace joint policing committees (JPCs) and include a broader range of voices – from gardaí, councillors, the HSE and Tusla, to local residents, schools, businesses, and youth and minority groups.
Each LCSP will meet at least six times a year and create a safety plan tailored to local needs.
Labour Party councillor Ciara O’Connor welcomed the initiative but stressed that action is needed now. “We cannot ignore the fact that Cork city continues to be left behind in garda resources,” she said.
Cllr O’Connor pointed to new figures showing Cork city received just 2.5% of the most recent graduating garda class – only three probationers out of 120 – while 62% were deployed to Dublin.
“Despite the arrival of five gardaí (including two transfers), this gain was cancelled out by three retirements and two promotions. In effect, we are back at net zero,” she said.
The councillor also raised concerns over limited opening hours at both Ballincollig and Bishopstown Garda Stations: “We’ve effectively seen a merger of these stations due to resourcing issues. That’s not acceptable in a city of our size and growth.”
The LCSP model is designed to give communities more input and coordination around safety issues. The hope is that with local knowledge at the table, Cork will see better outcomes and more responsive policing.
Cllr O’Connor said she will raise the matter at council with fellow Labour councillors Peter Horgan and John Maher, and is calling for immediate progress. In total, 36 safety partnerships will be established nationwide, with up to 30 members in each.
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.