25 new gardaí coming to Cork

Garda numbers in Cork have been boosted after 25 new gardaí were assigned to Cork stations following last week's attestation ceremony at Garda College in Templemore.

Seven of the new graduates will serve at Anglesea Street Garda Station, five at Gurranabraher, and four each at Mayfield and Togher garda stations, raising the numbers in the city by 20.

Five more have been posted to the county: two to Midleton, two to Mallow, and one to Bandon.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Fianna Fáil councillor Fergal Dennehy, thanked Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for delivering on his promise to allocate more gardaí to the city.

The extra officers come at a time when concerns were raised about falling garda numbers. Official figures show a drop of 100 gardaí across Cork city and county in the past five years. Local communities had voiced worries about policing efficiency and visibility on the streets.

In total, 154 recruits graduated from Templemore last week. They were recruited under the 2023 and 2024 garda recruitment campaigns and are now beginning their probationary service around the country.

Speaking at the attestation ceremony, Commissioner Drew Harris welcomed the new recruits: “You are here because of a desire to help people. You are here because you want better for your communities. You are here because it is a job worth doing. But no matter what it is that has brought you here today, the most important thing to remember is: because you are here – you will keep the people of Ireland safe.”

The commissioner said their arrival will provide stronger support and reassurance for communities nationwide, including Cork.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.