Cork city safety concerns
Deputy O'Flynn asked whether the Taoiseach agreed that Cork city had become unsafe and whether he would create a task force like Dublin's. The Taoiseach said there was a perception of reduced safety in city centres, noted increased Garda presence, and said more gardaí were needed.
It is related in the Irish Examiner that, at a meeting of Cork City Council last Monday evening, a number of councillors stated that Cork city is a no-go area and that there are parts of the city that you cannot go into. Another councillor, Seán Martin, stated that we have to take back our city. Does the Taoiseach agree with his Fianna Fáil colleagues on Cork City Council that the city is now unsafe and that it is a dangerous city in which people do not feel safe? Is he willing to put together a task force as he did for Dublin in May 2024? Is he willing to provide finance to the city to allow An Garda Síochána to put extra police on the street? I would like to hear his opinion. Does he believe that Cork city, the city that we share and which we love, is unsafe for the general public? It is of great consequence for traders in the city when such a perception is out there and when long-standing elected members from the Taoiseach's party are saying the city is unsafe. We have to address that.
Comment on this
I absolutely agree. Reflecting on the past number of years, there is a perception that urban environments are not as safe as they once were. I refer to the centres of different cities. That is the perception in Cork, although it is a beautiful city with a beautiful city centre and there are continuous improvements to the public realm. I believe people are specifically talking about the city centre at particular parts of the night and different times of the day. I have spoken to traders who have witnessed an improvement of late. There has been an additional Garda presence. We need more gardaí deployed across the country, including in the south and Cork, as they leave Templemore. Additional resources for the improvement of the public realm are also needed. These have been provided. Substantial investment has been allocated to Cork City Council in respect of the public realm in the city. We also need to reimagine city centres. We need more residential accommodation in city centres. That will inherently improve security. That is part of this agenda.