The number of frontline gardaí based in several Cork City Garda stations is still at 2010 levels despite the arrival of 15 probationary gardaí in two districts this week.

Planning permission for the €100m-plus renewal of the 40-year-old Wilton Shopping Centre is being sought from Cork City Council this week.

Gardaí are searching for a thief who struck a man over the head with a truncheon or baton and stole a large sum of cash about to be lodged in a post office.