WEST Cork has once again lost out on the latest round of garda graduates with not one new recruit being allocated to the area while latest garda data shows that just 48 new probationer gardaí have been assigned to West Cork garda stations over the past 11 years.

Just five probationer gardaí have been assigned to garda stations in Cork this time - to Mallow and Midleton, which form part of the Cork County Garda Division.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins expressed ‘deep disappointment’ with the latest allocations and said the ‘persistent and disproportionate disregard is scandalous’.

‘This continues a long-standing and deeply concerning pattern of under resourcing for West Cork communities, as evidence by An Garda Síochána’s own official data on probationer allocations from 2015 to December 2025,’ said Deputy Collins.

‘Over this 11-year period, the four principal stations of Bandon, Clonakilty, Bantry and Macroom received a combined total of just 48 new probationer gardaí. Notably, both Bantry and Macroom received zero new recruits from 2022 to 2025 and this a trend that has now extended into 2026 for all four of these stations.’

Deputy Collins said that West Cork communities face the same serious challenges as anywhere else.

‘Yet we are repeatedly overlooked and the facts bear that out. West Cork people pay their taxes like everyone else and are entitled to their fair share of garda resources.’

Meanwhile, membership for the Cork County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), which replaces the former Joint Policing Committee (JPC) is still being finalised, according to a Cork County Council spokesperson.

‘All members of the LCSPs must be appointed by the Minister for Justice so as soon as the membership has been completed Ministerial approval will be sought. This will enable the work of the Partnership to commence and the meeting schedule to be put in place.’

The LCSP will hold no fewer than six meeting each year when up and running.