Tourist hotspot sees sole sergeant transferred

A senior garda has tried to allay community leaders’ fears that a tourist hotspot in Cork will not have its Garda station closed following the transfer of its sole sergeant.

Crosshaven Community Association chairman Sean Hanley maintained the move was “a downgrading of the station” in the popular coastal town.

After a sergeant was relocated to Carrigaline to fill a vacancy in the larger city satellite town, only two gardaí remain in Crosshaven, which is swelled by thousands of visitors during the peak tourist season.

A large crowd attended a meeting in the village on Monday to discuss the situation.

Community activist Mr Hanley said: “Everybody who attended was in total support the sergeant shouldn’t be removed from duties here. He is doing a great job in preventing crime and is very good at dealing with young people.”

Mr Hanley said that garda numbers “are being cut, which is a retrograde step”.

“At weekends there are thousands of visitors to the Crosshaven area. We have a lot of sailing events, triathlons, the Red Head Convention, and we also have lots of people coming to Fort Camden.

“We’re concerned about the security situation and have sought a meeting with the chief superintendent.”

Chief Superintendent Michael Finn, in charge of policing the area, said he has “no plans whatsoever to close Crosshaven Garda Station”.

He said the sergeant would not be replaced, but that he had no plans to transfer either of the two gardaí currently serving there.

Cllr Tim Lombard (FG), a member of the local Joint Policing Committee, said he had spoken to Chief Supt Finn and expressed disappointment the sergeant was being withdrawn during the tourist season.

“People living in the area are very concerned about this. If the sergeant isn’t going to be replaced then another garda should be sent there instead,” he said.

Mr Lombard said Crosshaven gardaí also police a large hinterland that includes Minane Bridge. “They also have to oversee very busy beach areas at Church Bay, Myrtleville, Fountainstown, and Ringabella,” he said.