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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Garda resourcing in Cork city

Summary

Deputy McGrath says Cork city is under-resourced and its stations are often inaccessible, seeking more recruits. The Tánaiste will raise allocations with the Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner.

I know the Tánaiste values the importance of front-line policing. It is very welcome that An Garda Síochána conducted two recruitment campaigns this year and that the budget for 2026 set aside funding for the recruitment of 1,000 gardaí. Cork city has been under-resourced for many years, due to disproportionately low allocations. Our Garda units serving on the ground are stretched beyond what they can achieve in terms of work. Our Garda stations are inaccessible - they are simply not open. Will the Tánaiste please convey the message back that there will be another class emerging from Templemore in November and Cork city needs a fair and proportionate allocation of those gardaí?

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Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I certainly will. I will talk to the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and no doubt he will engage with the Garda Commissioner, who decides the allocation of gardaí across the country, on that matter.

I was at a Cabinet committee discussion on justice and Garda recruitment issues this week. There are some encouraging signs. The programme for Government commits to further increase the capacity of Garda training infrastructure. The Minister has started work on that and potentially moving training projects from Templemore to create more space for new recruits, which should help get an even larger pipeline of gardaí through Templemore. There is increased interest in becoming a garda, which is important. I take the point around Cork city and will feed it back to the Minister.

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