Pressure to equip Cork gardaí for armed conflict

The Government has been urged to ensure gardaí in Cork are properly trained and equipped for armed conflict, amid threats by local officers to withdraw services.

Junior Justice Minister David Stanton said the Government was determined that all gardaí would have the resources they need, and further training and resources would go to the southern units.

He came under pressure after concerns, highlighted by the Irish Examiner,about 80 armed detectives withdrawing cover on a 24/7 basis in the Cork region from July 1, amid claims by the Garda Representative Association that its members have been left vulnerable by Garda management’s refusal to give them proper training and equipment to tackle gangland crime or terrorist attacks.