New city centre wardens begin patrols in Cork to deter crime and support businesses

Four city centre wardens begin work in Cork this week to deter anti-social behaviour, assist visitors, and support local businesses

Cork City Council, An Garda Síochána, Cork Business Association, Cork Chamber, and Neville Jewellers representatives with the new city centre wardens. Picture: Alison Miles /OSM

New wardens will begin their patrols of Cork City this week to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour and to support tourists, the vulnerable, and businesses.

The City Centre Warden Scheme has been launched in Cork on a pilot basis in partnership between Cork City Council, Cork Business Association (CBA), and gardaí.

Four newly appointed wardens will engage with businesses, residents and visitors to enhance the city centre experience, working to make sure the city is welcoming for all.

"The wardens will act as visible ambassadors for the city centre, signposting and offering assistance to the public, supporting local businesses, and identifying issues such as graffiti, littering or damage to the public realm for follow-up by city council teams," a statement from Cork City Council said.

"They will also liaise closely with the CBA, gardaí and other agencies to address community concerns and be a reassuring presence in the city centre."

While they will not have enforcement powers like gardaí, the wardens will be in close contact with law enforcement, and they will be able to quickly raise any issues directly with relevant services.

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The new warden roles were advertised earlier this year, and a large number of applications were received. Four candidates were selected who then underwent induction and training.

They will work in shifts across the week, with a presence in the city in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. They will also work on public holidays and for major events like St Patrick’s Day, the Jazz Festival, and Corkmas.

The two-year city centre warden pilot project is partially funded by the Department of Justice, through an application made by the CBA, with Cork City Council providing the balance.

Chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said the council is delighted to launch the new City Centre Warden initiative.

“This is a proactive step towards enhancing the experience of everyone who lives, works, shops, and visits Cork City centre,” she said.

“It builds on our long-standing and valued partnership with the CBA, An Garda Síochána, and the wider business community as we continue to work together to create a more welcoming urban environment and to foster a thriving city centre.

I wish the wardens well as they embark on their new role. We encourage everyone — residents, retailers, and visitors alike — to engage with the wardens and support this initiative.

Dave O’Brien, President of Cork Business Association, said the scheme is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the city’s environment and support the business community.

“The wardens will help strengthen pride in the city, support businesses, and enhance the experience for everyone who spends time in the city centre. The CBA would like to thank Government, Cork City Council and An Garda Síochána to help make this vision a reality,” he said.