193 new Gardaí assigned to stations across the country

Jim O'Callaghan

134 men and 59 women attested and join the ranks of An Garda Síochána today. The new probationer Gardaí will be assigned to Garda Divisions across the country by the Garda commissioner. 

141 probationer Gardaí will be deployed across the Dublin Metropolitan Region, with 14 assigned to the Southern Region, 27 to the Eastern Region and 11 to the North-Western Region. 

A new class of over 200 trainees will enter the Garda College in Templemore to begin training on 4 May.  Recruit classes continue to enter the Garda College every 11 - 12 weeks. 

Speaking at the attestation ceremony, Mr O’Callaghan said: “I want to congratulate the 193 Gardaí attesting from Templemore today. This is the second graduation class this year. Today’s class of new Gardai builds on the numbers that are now regularly graduating from the Garda college which reflects the government’s commitment to continuous recruitment.

“We are focused on increasing the number of Gardaí to ensure the safety and security of our communities. Recruitment is progressing at a strong pace, and I look forward to seeing the numbers of An Garda Síochána continue to grow.

“The newly attested Gardaí will take up positions in communities across the country and many of them will play an important role in high visibility policing. The high-visibility foot patrols are having an impact and making our communities safer. The recent downward trend in crime figures reflects this.

“Today’s newly attested gardai will now begin a career of service to their communities, and to the people of Ireland. They join a tradition that stretches back over a century, one built on trust, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the public they serve.

“I am also very pleased to confirm that a new recruitment competition for An Garda Síochána will be launched shortly and again I expect that there will be a strong interest in this competition.”