TDs anger as report reveals reduction in Cork garda numbers  

Two Cork TDs have criticised Garda numbers in Cork, saying that figures from the latest report to the Policing Authority show the number of sworn gardaí in Cork city and county has decreased over the last 13 years, despite a growth in population.

The report, published by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, put the number of sworn gardaí nationally at 14,064 members at the end of July, 1,277 of whom are based in Cork.

This compares to figures published by An Garda Síochána on Historical Data on Garda Station Strength 2009-2021, which show that sworn members in Cork at the end of 2011 stood at 1,306.

Census

According to figures from the 2022 census by the CSO, Cork’s population stands at 584,156 people, representing an increase of 65,124 people on census figures provided in 2011.

Sinn Féin Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould said: “The total number of sworn members now stands a shade over 14,000, and once leave, injuries, and other absences are taken into account, the available numbers are even lower.

“That number is essentially the same as when Fine Gael took over the justice ministry 13 years ago, despite an increase in population since,” said Mr Gould.

“In recent weeks in Cork, we have seen a worrying escalation in violence. Communities feel badly let down by a lack of visible policing in both urban and rural areas.”

Failure

Mr Gould further said that he believed the reasons for the decline in numbers are multi-faceted, stating that he has little doubt that it is, in large part, “a Government failure” to improve conditions within the role, as well as “a lack of imagination and action”.

He said he believes a contributing factor to depleting Garda numbers is a lack of housing within a reasonable distance of Garda stations, saying: “Whilst the housing crisis affects everyone, there is little doubt it plays a major part in the number of gardaí emigrating to join other police services.

“There is an increasing spiral of ever-higher demands on gardaí also, meaning a negative cycle of burnout, resignations, and increased workloads has developed.”

Sinn Féin Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire backed his colleague’s sentiments, saying the Government “isn’t even close” to addressing the issue.

“Time and again we have highlighted the fact that clearly Cork is not getting the gardaí it needs,” he said. 

“Despite the best efforts of ordinary gardaí, who are working as hard as they can, the reality is that they are overstretched.”

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: “We do not comment on remarks made by third parties.”