Garda unit to ensure water protesters keep peace

A 25-strong Garda unit has been set up in Cork City specifically to ensure water protests don’t become violent.

The unit — consisting of 20 gardaí, four sergeants and an inspector — become operational in recent days and will be deployed at flashpoints where there is potential for trouble.

A Garda Representative Association (GRA) spokesman said he could understand the need for such a unit, but said garda numbers were being so depleted that it’s taking even more gardaí off the beat where they are badly needed.