Gardaí putting the 'us' in bus

Gardaí in the Togher district launched a new community policing mini bus yesterday.

The new 17 seater bus will offer a free service to schools, elderly groups, youth clubs, soccer and GAA clubs and many more in the Togher area with the aim to allow gardaí to engage directly with local community groups.

An application was made by an Garda Síochána to the Community Enhancement Programme via the Revitalising Areas through Planning Investment and Development group (RAPID) for consideration by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

The Cork City LCDC subsequently awarded funding under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) 2018 fund for the delivery of the community bus.

Speaking at Togher Garda Station yesterday, Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan said: “I’m delighted that An Garda Síochána is once again able to now provide this service to the local community in Togher. Providing this service gives us a great opportunity to enhance our existing strong links within the community.”

Speaking at yesterday’s (Wednesday) launch, local youth worker, Cllr Thomas Moloney said: “This bus service that gardaí offer means a lot to us in Togher. It not only saves our community group’s money, it gives us the chance to get to know some of our community gardaí better.”

Any group in the Togher area wishing to utilise the bus can contact Togher Garda Station on 021-4947120.