There has been a continued decline in garda numbers in East Cork and North Cork over the past twelve months.
According to information received by Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe from Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan, the garda numbers in Mitchelstown are down from 23 to 20, while the numbers in Midleton have dropped from 55 to 51.
The number of gardai in Youghal has been reduced by one, which leaves a total of 23 gardai based there.
Cork East TD, Kevin O’Keeffe has said that the continued decline in the number of gardaí serving in local Garda stations is serving to undermine public confidence in the ability of the State to protect communities from rampant criminal activity.
“There have been increases with Mallow receiving an increase of 14 Gardaí. However, having extra Gardaí in Mallow doesn’t address criminality in Mitchelstown, Midleton or Youghal,” he said.
Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe was very concerned about the losses as he said he is aware of a growing concern and anger in rural communities about increasing levels of burglaries in homes, on farms and in businesses.
“Fewer Gardaí on the street will only give the criminals more freedom to cause mayhem in our communities,” said O’Keeffe. “The Minister for Justice needs to direct the Garda Commissioner to spread out the deployment of Gardaí to every part of rural Ireland.”
