'Cork deserves its fair share of gardaí': TD requests meeting with new commissioner

A Cork TD has already written to the newly-appointed Garda commissioner requesting a meeting on the need for better garda resources in Cork.

Cork South-Central Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire wrote to Justin Kelly immediately after his appointment on Tuesday. Mr Kelly is set to replace Drew Harris — who is to retire after seven years as commissioner, on September 1.

“I have written to the new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly requesting a meeting with him and all the Oireachtas members for Cork city to discuss how we can deliver better policing in Cork,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

“Cork deserves its fair share of gardaí and in recent years it has not been getting it, and that must change.”

Mr Ó Laoghaire said that there are “serious concerns” that have arisen regarding garda resources in Cork: “Most stations are down in numbers than what they would have been a number of years ago.

“We have fantastic gardaí on the ground doing their best but they are under serious pressure because of the lack of resources.”

He said that a dialogue is needed between the new Garda commissioner and public representatives for Cork city, and that he wants to communicate directly Cork people’s fears and concerns, and also for Mr Kelly to outline his plans to ensure a greater presence of gardaí in Cork: 

“We need to see adequate garda numbers in Cork and a visible garda presence on the ground, preventing and tackling crime in our city centre and our suburban areas, and that must be a priority for the new Garda commissioner.”