Six Gardaí have been appointed to our two counties.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan have welcomed the attestation of 194 new Gardaí and 17 Garda Reserves at a ceremony in Templemore, County Tipperary.
It’s the largest class of recruits in a decade to enter the Garda College there – 137 are men with 57 women.
39 are coming to the Eastern Region with three each to Carlow and Kilkenny
Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor says she’s aware more are needed;
Fianna Fáil TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere had this reaction;
Speaking at the Garda College, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said; “It is a great honour to be here in Templemore today to witness the continued growth of An Garda Síochána and to welcome its newest members. Over a hundred years after it was first established, An Garda Síochána continues to thrive because it grows and adapts with the times.
“We are in a unique and envied position in Ireland where trust between the public and the Gardaí is strong and where communities want to see more gardaí visible in their communities. That’s why we’ve committed strongly in the Programme for Government to strengthening An Garda Síochána over the next five years.
“At its core, being a garda is about public service of the highest order. I want to wish our new gardaí the very best as they embark on their careers serving and protecting the people of Ireland.”
Minister Jim O’Callaghan added; “My number one priority as Minister is to strengthen An Garda Síochána through increased recruitment. High visibility policing in our cities and communities is central to deterring crime and in making the public feel safe. I am fully supportive and welcome the Commissioner’s operational plan to further implement highly visibility policing. The class of 194 new Gardaí, the largest since 2019, and 17 Garda Reserves attesting today, will have an important role to play in conducting high visibility operations.
“The number of applications to join An Garda Síochána this year, over 11,100 through two recruitment campaigns, demonstrates the strong interest in joining the organisation and in making a positive difference in our communities.
“I am also extremely pleased that next week over 200 new Garda recruits will enter Templemore to commence their training. This will be the largest intake of Gardaí trainees in over a decade.”
