CORK'S top cop has said new gardaí assigned to Cork will increase visibility of the force in the city. 

The 11 new Gardaí have been assigned to Gurranabraher, Anglesea Street and Togher Garda Stations after passing out from the Garda Training College in Templemore.

Speaking at Anglesea Street Garda Station, Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin welcomed the newly qualified Gardaí to the city saying:

"I am delighted to announce that 11 new probationer Gardaí have been allocated to the Cork City Garda Division and the one member who has arrived on transfer. This is a welcomed addition to our resources here in the city and will add to us being able to provide the best possible service to the community."

He said the focus not will be primarily to target those involved in assaults, drugs, theft and "general anti-social behaviour in line with the national strategy-Operation Soteria.

"Since the beginning of 2020, the Cork City Garda Division has seen the arrival of 24 new Gardaí through transfers and new probationer Gardaí from Templemore. These additional resources will enhance our ability to respond to the needs of the communities we serve. A city-centre based dedicated high visibility unit of uniform members will be rolled out shortly to augment and support the front-line units both Southside and Northside. Their remit will be primarily to target persons involved in assaults, drugs, theft and general anti-social behaviour in line with the National Strategy – Operation Soteria."

He went on to describe the strategy.

"Operation Soteria is aimed at preventing assaults occurring, through targeted, timely patrols and engaging with community partners to promote personal safety. This will reinforce An Garda Siochana’ s commitment to enhance public safety in Cork City working in tandem with the communities and other partners such as the city centre traders and businesses. The additional resources will also allow Gardaí in Cork to increase the strengths of the Divisional Drugs Unit and Detective Branch Units. In general, we will start to have more boots on the ground and more high visibility patrols. I want to reassure the public that we are working together with all of the stakeholders in maintaining Cork as a safe place.”