Fears Ireland’s defence capabilities will be impacted as army personnel numbers continue to fall

There are fears Ireland’s defence capabilities will be impacted as personnel numbers continue to fall.

According to the Irish Examiner, the strength of the overall Defence Forces has dropped to 7,399, around 2,100 short of the minimum requirement.

415 recruits joined the forces last year but more than 758 left due to retirement, resignation or on medical grounds.

President of representative organisation PDForra Mark Keane says the Defence Forces are not an attractive career choice right now.

There are many soldiers across Carlow and Kilkenny with the Kilkenny city located James Stephens Barracks one of the main local employers.