5 October 2019
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
- Murphy O’Mahony raises concerns over new Garda Division HQ
- Concerns that West Cork Garda requirements will be diluted
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West Margaret Murphy O’Mahony has expressed disappointment following the announcement that the headquarters for the new Cork North and Cork West division will be in Macroom.
This sees Bandon lose its divisional headquarters status – raising concerns about resources for the West Cork region.
Deputy Murphy O’Mahony said, “I outlined my concerns about this new proposed Garda division, when it was first announced last month, and the confirmation yesterday evening that the new divisional HQ will be based in Macroom only serves to further increase my fears that the garda presence in West Cork could be reduced.
“This new division stretches from Allihies to Youghal – that’s a distance of almost 200km, and an area which has diverse policing needs. I have grave concerns that rural areas will see resources diverted away from them to cater for the bigger towns. Between January and September this year we have already seen a reduction in garda vehicles in the West Cork division – down from 61 to 58. This could fall further if resources are stretched across such a large area.
“The loss of Bandon’s divisional headquarters status is a blow for West Cork and I will be demanding assurances from both the Justice Minister and the Garda Commissioner that resources will not be downgraded any further as a result of this move”, concluded Deputy Murphy O’Mahony.
