Chronic shortages of gardaí in Cork meant just two members of the force were patrolling the city centre one night and a special unit investigating sex crimes is unable to take on new cases because it is not adequately staffed.

Only emergency calls are monitored at the sole station in Cork City and county which records telephone conversations.

TRIBUTE upon tribute have been heaped on the man who trained nearly one-third of the current serving gardaí, as he retired from the force after 40 years of service.

THE top ranks of An Garda Síochána will undergo a large revamp in the coming weeks as eight senior positions are filled.

A HEAVILY armed and highly trained Garda unit is to hit the streets of Cork from Monday week.