Menu
15/05/2014
Garda Resources Needed Amid Rising Burglary Rates In Cork
Concerns have been raised following the publication of garda figures showing 453 burglaries in Cork in the first five months of the year.
Fianna Fail TD for Cork South Central Michael McGrath has called the figures "extremely worrying", saying that they highlight "the need for improved resources in Cork Garda Divisions."
"The number of frontline officers patrolling the streets of the city and the suburbs has fallen by 130 over the past five years. More than 30 members of the force have retired in the past 18 months and none of them have been replaced, and there are fears that as many as 60 officers could retire in the next year. If this were to happen, it would put an extreme strain on an already stretched service, and would leave communities even more exposed than they currently are," Deputy McGrath said.
Adding: "Garda resources in Cork city have become so depleted over the past three years that it has led to a surge in robbery, extortion and theft cases. The most recent CSO statistics reveal these crimes rose significantly year on year.
"What’s worrying about this latest spate of burglaries is that the criminals are actively targeting homes, and the authorities simply do not have the resources or manpower to clamp down on this type of crime. These break-ins are creating an atmosphere of fear in communities in Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Douglas and Bishopstown, which have borne the brunt of the attacks.
"I’m calling on the new Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to urgently address the issue of Garda staffing and resources in Cork. Despite the fact that recruitment has recommenced, it will be at least another year before we see any increase in the number of Gardai patrolling the streets. We need to see investment in the force in Cork to ensure Garda Districts have the manpower and resources to deal with rising crime levels."
(MH)
Fianna Fail TD for Cork South Central Michael McGrath has called the figures "extremely worrying", saying that they highlight "the need for improved resources in Cork Garda Divisions."
"The number of frontline officers patrolling the streets of the city and the suburbs has fallen by 130 over the past five years. More than 30 members of the force have retired in the past 18 months and none of them have been replaced, and there are fears that as many as 60 officers could retire in the next year. If this were to happen, it would put an extreme strain on an already stretched service, and would leave communities even more exposed than they currently are," Deputy McGrath said.
Adding: "Garda resources in Cork city have become so depleted over the past three years that it has led to a surge in robbery, extortion and theft cases. The most recent CSO statistics reveal these crimes rose significantly year on year.
"What’s worrying about this latest spate of burglaries is that the criminals are actively targeting homes, and the authorities simply do not have the resources or manpower to clamp down on this type of crime. These break-ins are creating an atmosphere of fear in communities in Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Douglas and Bishopstown, which have borne the brunt of the attacks.
"I’m calling on the new Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to urgently address the issue of Garda staffing and resources in Cork. Despite the fact that recruitment has recommenced, it will be at least another year before we see any increase in the number of Gardai patrolling the streets. We need to see investment in the force in Cork to ensure Garda Districts have the manpower and resources to deal with rising crime levels."
(MH)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2014
Eight Unused Garda Stations Go Under The Hammer
Eight former garda stations are going under the hammer at a public auction in Dublin. It is understood that there has been strong interest in the building, some of which were only vacated recently, with others sitting unused for decades. The stations are located in counties Galway, Cork, Longford, Leitrim, Tipperary and Wexford.
Eight Unused Garda Stations Go Under The Hammer
Eight former garda stations are going under the hammer at a public auction in Dublin. It is understood that there has been strong interest in the building, some of which were only vacated recently, with others sitting unused for decades. The stations are located in counties Galway, Cork, Longford, Leitrim, Tipperary and Wexford.
11 April 2019
Second Man Arrested Over Mikolaj Wilk Murder
Gardaí have arrested a second man in connection with the murder of Mikolaj Wilk in Cork last year. The 35-year-old, who was originally from Poland, was attacked by a gang at his home in Maglin on 10 June. It comes after another man was arrested in Cork yesterday morning and taken to Togher Garda Station for questioning.
Second Man Arrested Over Mikolaj Wilk Murder
Gardaí have arrested a second man in connection with the murder of Mikolaj Wilk in Cork last year. The 35-year-old, who was originally from Poland, was attacked by a gang at his home in Maglin on 10 June. It comes after another man was arrested in Cork yesterday morning and taken to Togher Garda Station for questioning.
04 June 2014
Public Transport Fares Set To Rise Above Inflation
Public transport fares are expected to rise by 1 to 1.5% above inflation next year, the National Transport Authority has said. The fares are set to rise in an effort to restore the finances of Iarnrod Eireann, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus – the CIE group of companies.
Public Transport Fares Set To Rise Above Inflation
Public transport fares are expected to rise by 1 to 1.5% above inflation next year, the National Transport Authority has said. The fares are set to rise in an effort to restore the finances of Iarnrod Eireann, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus – the CIE group of companies.
29 October 2013
Vigils Held To Mark One Year Since Death Of Savita Halappanavar
Around 100 people gathered in Galway's Eyre Square on Monday evening to mark the one year anniversary of the death of Savita Halappanavar. A candlelight vigil was held to mark the death of Mrs Halappanavar, who died at Galway Hospital one year ago.
Vigils Held To Mark One Year Since Death Of Savita Halappanavar
Around 100 people gathered in Galway's Eyre Square on Monday evening to mark the one year anniversary of the death of Savita Halappanavar. A candlelight vigil was held to mark the death of Mrs Halappanavar, who died at Galway Hospital one year ago.
10 April 2019
Man Arrested Over The Murder Of Mikolaj Wilk
A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Mikolaj Wilk in County Cork last June. The suspect, aged in his 30s, has been detained at Togher Garda Station. 35-year-old Mr Wilk, who was originally from Poland, died when he was attacked by a gang at his home in Ballingcollig.
Man Arrested Over The Murder Of Mikolaj Wilk
A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Mikolaj Wilk in County Cork last June. The suspect, aged in his 30s, has been detained at Togher Garda Station. 35-year-old Mr Wilk, who was originally from Poland, died when he was attacked by a gang at his home in Ballingcollig.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
