Figures show that the number of gardaí in Cork that have resigned so far this year is nearly as high as the whole of last year.
The trend comes amid claims from a Cork Garda Representative Association (GRA) member that officers are leaving due to court proceedings arising from actions taken “while doing their job.”
Data obtained by The Echo through a Freedom of Information request reveals that 64 gardaí in Cork have left the force over the past 18 months. This includes one chief superintendent, three superintendents, two inspectors, nine sergeants, and 49 rank-and-file gardaí.
Retirement remains the most common reason for departures. There were four compulsory retirements in 2025 and another four in the first half of 2026. In addition, 16 voluntary retirements and one early retirement occurred in 2025, while eight voluntary retirements have been recorded so far this year. Two gardaí were medically discharged in 2025, with a further two in 2026 to date.
Resignations have also remained high. Fourteen gardaí resigned in 2025, while 13 have already resigned in the first half of 2026.
Cork GRA representative Padraig Harrington said that, locally, multiple factors are contributing to the trend, including what he described as excessive oversight and members facing prosecution for minor incidents.
“They’re having to go through two years of stress through the court process, for doing their job, and they’re all exonerated by the courts then.” he said.
He added that many cases involve alleged minor assaults, arguing that similar cases involving members of the public might not meet the threshold for prosecution by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Harrington also criticised Fiosrú, formerly the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), describing it as overly rigid in its assessments.
“They see things in black or white with no grey areas or taking overall circumstances into account.” he said, adding that prosecutions are frequently recommended, though he is not aware of any Cork gardaí being convicted.
While acknowledging that Fiosrú investigators may not come from policing backgrounds, he argued that the DPP needs to take a more balanced approach.
Separate research conducted in 2023 by GRA assistant general secretary Tara McManus found that dissatisfaction within the force was widespread. Among 40 gardaí surveyed nationwide, 70% cited unfair treatment, disciplinary issues, or bullying by management as key reasons for leaving, while 37% pointed to stress or burnout.
The study also found that 70% of respondents said fear of disciplinary action affected their decision-making, with some describing themselves as “terrified of GSOC.” Others reported constant anxiety, saying procedures were hindering effective policing and that they felt “guilty until proven innocent.”
In response, a Fiosrú spokesperson stated that when an investigation indicates a potential criminal offence by a garda, the file must be referred to the DPP, as required by law. The organisation does not comment on individual cases submitted.