Garda numbers down in southern region

Garda manpower resources in the southern region, which covers Cork, Kerry, and Limerick, fell by 2.2% last year with 48 fewer gardaí stationed in the three counties compared to 2013.

Figures supplied by the Department of Justice show that there were 2,093 gardaí based in the region compared to 2,141 just 12 months earlier.

The biggest reduction in Garda staffing levels in the region occurred in Limerick where numbers have decreased by almost 4% — down 23 to 565 gardaí.