Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn in charge of policing in Cork, Kerry, Limerick

A new Garda assistant commissioner has been appointed to the take charge of the southern region, which will lead to a significant reshuffle within senior ranks of the force in Cork city and county.

Chief Supt Michael Finn, native of Co Kerry, has been promoted to the role of assistant commissioner and will take overall charge of policing in Cork, Kerry, and Limerick.

He has served for many years in Cork and is currently the chief superintendent in charge of the Cork City Garda Division.

The senior garda, who holds a Masters of Business Administration from UCC, will not have to move for the post because he is already based at the Garda regional headquarters in Anglesea St.

Supt Tom Myers, who won a silver Scott Medal award for bravery in 1988, has been promoted to chief superintendent.

The native of Gurranabraher, Cork, who is heavily involved in Brian Dillons GAA Club, is currently based in Anglesea St.

He formerly served as a detective sergeant and detective inspector in the Cork City Divisional Drugs Squad.

His elevation is likely to necessitate a move and it is possible he might take charge of the Cork West Garda Division.

Chief Supt Con Cadogan, who is in charge of policing in Co Kerry, is currently double-jobbing, as he has been looking after the Cork West region since the retirement of Chief Supt Tom Hayes.

A vacancy will now also arise for chief superintendent in Cork City as a result of Mr Finn’s promotion.

Chief Supt Barry McPolin, who for years served in Cork, is currently serving in Naas, Co Kildare, and is likely to come back to Cork as part of the reshuffle.

He could go to Cork City, West Cork or indeed take over in North Cork if Chief Supt Gerard Dillane, who in based in the latter area, is moved into the city.

Vacancies for superintendents in Mallow, Gurranabraher, and Anglesea Street will also have to be filled. The vacancies in Mallow and Gurranbraher have not been filled for some time.

Also featuring in the new promotions announced by the Government is Insp Billy Duane. He has been promoted to superintendent and is likely to fill one of the three vacant superintendent positions. He is currently serving in the Togher Garda District and was formerly head of the Cork City Division’s traffic corps.

It is also likely that there will be a significant reshuffle of superintendents in the county.