Failure to allocate new gardaí to Cork suburb 'disappointing', says councillor

Labour Cork city councillor Peter Horgan has expressed serious concern following confirmation that there will be no new garda allocations to Douglas Garda Station out of the new cohort of graduates.

This, despite continued population growth and rising demands on local policing.

“This decision is deeply disappointing but, unfortunately, not surprising,” Mr Horgan said.

“Communities across Douglas are expanding rapidly, yet garda resources are standing still. That is not sustainable, and it is not fair on residents or on the gardaí themselves.”

Mr Horgan said he has consistently raised the issue of garda shortages in Cork’s south-east, warning that frontline officers are being stretched beyond capacity.

Plug gaps

“Gardaí on the ground are doing their absolute best, but they cannot be expected to plug gaps that are the result of political inaction.

“Promises of recruitment mean very little if those gardaí never reach stations Douglas, where they are urgently needed.”

Mr Horgan pointed to ongoing concerns around anti-social behaviour, traffic enforcement, and community safety, all of which require a visible and adequately resourced garda presence.

“People want to see gardaí in their communities. They want reassurance that when they call for assistance, help will arrive promptly. Right now, that confidence is being undermined.

“We had a very positive addition of allocations to the city centre before Christmas, but we now need more allocations to stations like Douglas.”

He has called on the minister for justice and garda management to urgently review the allocation model and ensure Cork receives its fair share of new recruits.

“Our communities deserve the same level of policing and protection as anywhere else in the state.”