Four City Centre Wardens to Begin Patrols in Cork This Week

Cork city centre is set to welcome four newly appointed wardens this week as part of a two-year pilot scheme aimed at enhancing the experience for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

The City Centre Warden Scheme, facilitated and part-funded by Cork City Council in partnership with Cork Business Association and An Garda Síochána, will see wardens act as visible ambassadors across the city centre from this week.

The initiative follows a successful funding application by the Cork Business Association to Government earlier this year, with the Department of Justice providing partial funding and Cork City Council covering the balance.

The wardens will engage with businesses, residents and visitors, offering assistance and signposting services to ensure the city remains welcoming for all. They will identify issues such as graffiti, littering or damage to public spaces for follow-up by council teams, while liaising closely with the CBA, Gardaí and other agencies to address community concerns.

While the wardens will not have enforcement powers, they will be able to raise issues directly with relevant services to ensure swift responses.

Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, said the council is delighted to launch the initiative.

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

"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. Their presence is a reflection of our collective pride in Cork and our shared ambition to create a city centre that is welcoming, well-maintained, and full of life."

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.

The warden roles were advertised earlier this year, attracting a large number of applications. Following selection, the four candidates have undergone induction and training in recent weeks.

The wardens will work in shifts throughout the week, with a presence in the city during mornings, afternoons and evenings. They will also work on public holidays and for major events including St Patrick's Day, the Jazz Festival and Corkmas.