Crime and Pollution in Cork

The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Cork are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 187 user contributions.

This comprehensive approach helps provide a balanced view of the city's crime rates, environmental concerns, air quality, and public safety. By aggregating information from government reports, environmental studies, and direct feedback from residents, we aim offer an up-to-date and thorough analysis of key factors impacting quality of life in Cork.

Crime Data in Cork

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Cork's crime data presents a generally positive picture for residents. The city experiences low levels of crime, contributing to a moderately safe environment. However, certain factors like property crimes and drug-related issues are of concern to some individuals.

Safety perceptions vary among residents, with feelings of safety being significantly higher during the daytime compared to nighttime.

Some notable concerns include:
  • Property CrimesWhile property crimes such as theft and break-ins are present, the overall perception is relatively low. Residents of Cork express a lesser degree of anxiety regarding these issues compared to other larger cities.
  • Drug-Related IssuesDrug-related concerns exist in Cork, but they are not overwhelmingly high. Residents perceive these issues as present but manageably low in comparison to other crime-related anxieties.
  • Violent CrimesConcerns over violent crimes are notably low, with residents feeling generally secure from violent incidents. This contributes to a positive perception of public safety in Cork.
  • Public SafetyA majority of Cork residents feel safe during daylight hours, and while they are relatively cautious at night, the fear levels remain manageable, especially when compared to other urban settings.
Crime Trends and Safety
  • Rising Crime ConcernsThere is a notable concern about the potential increase in crime rates. Some residents believe that more steps could be taken to prevent crime, emphasizing vigilance against rising drug issues and sporadic property crimes.
  • Specific FearsSpecific fears are surprisingly low in Cork, with the most minor concerns being car theft and racial or ethnic insults, indicating a broadly inclusive and safe community environment.
Worldwide
Ireland

Crime Rankings

Cork ranks 4th on the Crime rankings in Ireland.
The crime ranking by city for Ireland is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.
Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Pollution Data in Cork

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Cork showcases commendable air quality levels, portraying itself as a city with controllable pollution metrics amidst growing urbanization. Traffic and occasional industrial emissions play a lesser role in the city's pollution statistics.

The city's air quality is generally considered very good, with specific attention required for particulate matter levels that occasionally pose moderate risks.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)PM2.5 levels in Cork are acceptable yet warrant monitoring to ensure they remain within safe limits to protect health, particularly those susceptible to air quality issues.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter)The PM10 level, while slightly elevated, remains pretty consistent with good air standards, often influenced by changes in weather and minimal industrial activities.
Waste and Noise Pollution

In Cork, noise pollution is relatively low compared to other urban areas, contributing positively to the city's quality of life.

Effective garbage disposal systems enhance resident satisfaction, making Cork a cleaner and more appealing living environment.

  • Garbage Disposal SatisfactionCork's residents express satisfaction with garbage management, indicating efficient services and systems in place across the city.
  • Noise and Light PollutionThough generally low, residents have noted some light pollution issues; however, these do not significantly detract from overall satisfaction with the city's living conditions.
Green Spaces and Water Quality

Cork's green spaces are appreciated for their contribution to both leisure and environmental wellbeing. These spaces encourage outdoor life while boosting the city's ecological balance.

High-quality drinking water supply marks a significant advantage for Cork, assuring residents of clean and safe water, reflective of stringent water management practices.

  • Green and Parks QualityGreen spaces in Cork are valued highly, providing residents with ample recreational opportunities and supporting ecological diversity.
  • Drinking Water QualityResidents rate the city's drinking water quality very positively, appreciating its accessibility and purity as a key feature of Cork's livability.
Worldwide
Ireland

Pollution Rankings

Cork ranks 2nd on the Pollution rankings in Ireland.
The pollution ranking for Ireland is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.
Hightest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025