Minister accused of being ‘evasive’ about garda resourcing in Cork

Jim O’Callaghan, the justice minister, has been accused of failing the people of Douglas and Blackrock with “vague, evasive, and completely inadequate” answers about garda resourcing.

Mr O’Callaghan’s response to a Cork City Council motion was that he “cannot intervene with the distribution or assignment of garda personnel”.

The motion was put forward by Peter Horgan, Labour Party councillor for Cork city’s south-east ward, who said the people of Douglas and Blackrock want to know when Douglas Garda Station will reopen, when “proper” public opening hours will be restored, and what resources are being put in to these communities.

“They did not ask for a lecture on national garda recruitment figures,” said Mr Horgan. 

“People deserve better than vague assurances. They deserve a clear answer and they deserve action. 

“The minister is quick to claim credit when visibility policing is rolled out, but he must take action on two of the largest areas of Cork city with reduced garda visibility.”

Mr Horgan said the response was hiding behind statistics and administrative arrangements.

“The question remains: When will Douglas Garda Station reopen with proper public opening hours, and when will public opening hours at Blackrock be improved? 

“The only way that happens is dedicated, ring-fenced garda allocations for those two stations.”