The Government has been urged to ensure gardaí in Cork are properly trained and equipped for armed conflict, amid threats by local officers to withdraw services.

More than 80 garda detectives are to stop providing armed cover on a 24/7 basis in the Cork region amid claims they have been left vulnerable by garda management’s refusal to give them proper training and equipment to tackle gangland crime or terrorist attacks.

A North Cork farmer pleaded guilty today to charges including cruelty to animals after an inspection of his farm found 47 dead cattle and many more live and malnourished cows standing among the carcasses.