Cork City businesses welcome enhanced garda presence

(Left to right) Kate Neville, chairperson of CBA's Safe and Clean Committee, Cliona Barnes, director of Cork Business Association, Sgt Michael O'Connell, Superintendent James Hallahan and Sgt Adria Brennan.

The Cork Business Association (CBA) has welcomed enhanced policing measures in the city with the organisation saying it has already made a difference to the experience of people and businesses.

The policing initiative comes as Cork City prepares for the busy festive and shopping season. According to the CBA, their members say that with safety concerns eased, people are more inclined to linger — enjoying the city’s restaurants, cafés, independent shops, and cultural spaces.

Head of the CBA’s safe and clean committee, Kate Neville, said the increased Garda patrols have “made a noticeable difference”.

“Cork is a city built on community, commerce, and culture, and the safety of our streets is central to all three,” she said. “People feel more comfortable coming into town, spending time here, and enjoying everything the city has to offer. 

"This, combined with our recently launched City Centre Wardens, is exactly the type of visible reassurance our members and customers have been asking for, and we’re delighted to see everything making an impact.” 

Local retailer Patrick Leader of Leader Menswear said they are already seeing a “positive change on the street landscape”. “Our customers feel safer, and that makes a huge difference to footfall and the overall shopping experience.” 

Mike Ryan of the Cornstore restaurant said over the past week they have seen a change in the “vibe in the city centre” which he called “phenomenal”.

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“It’s been transformative, literally overnight, with the visible presence of An Garda Síochána. Seeing members of the public chatting to a Garda or City Centre Warden — tourists asking for directions or people simply acknowledging them as they pass — creates a lovely sense of community.” 

He added that before this welcome change, there was often an “apprehensive feeling” when you saw An Garda Síochána, as it “generally meant something serious had happened or someone was in distress”.

“The optic has completely done a 180”.

Ms Neville added that this level of Garda visibility shows a “real commitment to supporting our city, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with local authorities and An Garda Síochána to keep Cork moving in the right direction”.