Garda unit for water protests scaled back amid calm

A special Garda unit set up in Cork City to tackle water protests has been scaled back as those involved in anti-metering demonstrations have been well- behaved.

The 25-strong Garda unit was established at the end of October amid concerns water protestors could cause trouble at flashpoints around the city.

However, at a meeting of the Cork City Joint Policing Committee (JPC) yesterday the most senior garda in the city said the numbers committed to the unit were being reduced in light of the rapport established between gardaí and water protestors.

Chief Superintendent Michael Finn said the special unit was being reduced by nearly half because protests had not been antagonistic.

However, he warned the unit would be bolstered again if the situation was to change.

“There’s been a lot of pretty amicable policing going on.

“A lot of restraint has been shown on all sides and, as a consequence, some of the gardaí [on the special unit] can be deployed on other regular frontline policing,” the senior garda said.

He was speaking after concerns were raised by members of the JPC about committing the number of gardaí to the unit when the city’s overall policing numbers had been significantly reduced in recent years.

Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould said he was worried that the resources were not present on the ground and that response times were not good.

He said it recently took 25 minutes before gardaí arrived to assist a fire brigade unit who were being stoned by a gang of youths.

Chief Supt Finn said sometimes gardaí were overwhelmed with the volume of calls they receive, but normally respond within 15 minutes.

He said he was hoping a large number of recruit gardaí coming out of Templemore would soon be posted to bolster resources and that additional Garda Reservists would also arrive.