Cork has 115 fewer gardaí than five years ago

There are almost 115 fewer gardaí across the three Cork divisions today than five years ago, figures show.

Cork West division has been hardest hit, with a 15% cut in its staffing levels — in large part due to closures of rural stations after 2011.

Garda representatives said reduced garda numbers meant a “greater workload” for remaining members and reduced garda visibility.