Local salon owner says anti‑social behaviour in Cork city centre is escalating

Aga, the owner of House of Nails salon near Bishop Lucey Park, told Newstalk’s Lunchtime Live that anti‑social behaviour in Cork city centre has “really escalating” and that the area has not felt safe for a while.

Having worked in the city centre for 16 years, she said the level of drug and drink abuse has increased markedly in recent years, creating an intimidating atmosphere for salon owners and their customers. “There are people drinking right outside our door and benches where they gather, which feels very intimidating,” she said.

Aga noted that frequent fights break out outside her shop, especially in the evenings as daylight fades in winter. She observed a noticeable decline in Garda presence over the past month and a half, with fewer patrols on the streets.

She recalled an incident two years ago when a staff member was attacked on Torquay Street, sustaining a strained wrist and requiring treatment in A&E after a robbery attempt.

Aga concluded that a greater Garda beat presence would “definitely discourage people” from committing anti‑social offences and help restore confidence in Cork city centre.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Tobias Waibl / Pexels.