Gardaí to step up patrols in Cork city 

GARDAÍ are to step up patrols in the city in the run-up to Christmas in a move that businesses say will provide reassurance to shoppers, visitors, and traders alike.

From tomorrow, there will be extra patrols across the main shopping areas and streets as part of the Christmas policing plan.

It comes two months after Chief Superintendent Tom Myers revealed that theft from shops was up 39%, with 1,401 incidents reported to gardaí in Cork city as of September.

A Garda spokesperson told The Echo that gardaí plan to deploy additional resources to the city centre and the main city shopping locations from tomorrow until December 31, with a focus on “visibility, crime prevention, and proactive intervention and investigation”.

'Badly needed'

Miriam Ray, from Sheena’s Boutique on Oliver Plunkett St, told The Echo the additional gardaí were “badly needed”.

“I also think it will put a bit of faith in the people of Cork also, and say that Cork is open for business, and we are here for you.”

Having more gardaí is a major preventative measure, she explained, against theft and anti-social behaviour, the latter of which Ms Ray said is a deterrent to people coming into town.

“There’s lots of opportunists out there, and knowing gardaí are there in the event anything happened is great,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Cork Business Association, vice president Aaron Mansworth said that the additional Garda presence in the city was welcome news to its members.

“The safety and security of our city is of utmost importance, especially during this busy season. The presence of extra gardaí brings reassurance to businesses, shoppers, and visitors alike.

“We appreciate the efforts made by the authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Together, we can make Cork a vibrant and thriving destination this festive season.”

Concerns gardaí would be sent to Dublin

Claire Nash, a restaurateur, retailer, and former CBA director, told The Echo: “I’ve been in business for 32 years in the city and Christmas is the one time we can rely on the gardaí to have boots on the street.

“Even the last few years, when covid saw people gathering, the stakeholders were able to rely on the gardaí to look after us.

“Last year we had a very successful Christmas.

“I’m confident that the streets will be good, it’s after Christmas we’d be worried about. We have begged and demanded that the same diligence would be applied.

“In January and the few months after that, anything can happen — even during the day”, she said, explaining that they have been asking for the number of garda patrols not to drop off after the festive season ends.

“We’d worry that Dublin — with the current crisis — would have access to way more staff and resources than we would, and that some of our gardaí would be sent up there,” she said.

Christmas policing plan

A garda spokesperson told The Echo that the operation aims to support both the day and night-time economies.

“The Christmas policing plan comprises of increased policing presence, to include additional uniformed police patrols,” said the garda spokesperson.

“Traffic management, to assist visitors to the city, will be performed daily during peak times.

“The operation will cover the policing of Cork city by day and night, to support both the daytime and night-time economies.”

The spokesperson said that last year’s operation was welcomed by businesses.

“Increased Garda visibility supported the image of Cork as a welcoming and safe city, and was acknowledged in media dialogue and at city centre business and stakeholder fora,” said the spokesperson.