Cork’s English Market gets security system
Gardaí too have pledged to step-up high visibility patrols through Cork’s historic English Market as part of a coordinated effort to create an even safer environment for traders and shoppers.
The high resolution digital cameras were installed in the 200-year-old market recently following the discovery by alert traders of suspicious activity.
Discussions were held in recent weeks between traders, Garda crime prevention officers from Anglesea Street, and the owners of the market, Cork City Council, and a decision was taken to install the system.
Eleven cameras — one at each of the market’s entrances, and the remainder at other strategic locations — are in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, monitored by Stalwart Security.
“The tradition of the English Market is for over-counter trading with personal contact and interaction between the trader and the customer,” said Joanne Buckley of Irish Estates, the city council’s management agents.
“This openness is crucial to the trading ethos of the market but may be seen to create a potential vulnerability in terms of security.”
Tom Durcan, the chairman of the market traders’ association, said the CCTV system would further improve security for everyone who works or shops in, and who visits the market.
“We are delighted with the co-operation we have received from the gardaí over the years,” he said.
Supt Barry McPolin praised the city council’s preventative approach and said it was vital to provide a secure market environment while respecting its uniqueness.
“The gardaí in Anglesea Street have committed to providing continued support and high visibility patrols throughout the market area,” he said.
The English Market has been trading since 1788 and is one of the oldest of its kind. It pre-dates Barcelona’s famous Boqueria market by almost 80 years.
The market is generally open to the public from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Saturday,
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