More Gardaí confirmed for Ardee, Dundalk and Drogheda
Communities in Ardee, Dundak and Drogheda are set to benefit from 14 new Gardaí
Communities in Louth are set to benefit from 14 new Gardaí, with three new members of the force going to Ardee, six to Dundalk and five to Drogheda, it was confirmed today.
206 Gardaí were attested as sworn members of An Garda Síochána this morning, the force has confirmed, with the graduation class of Intake 254 being the largest single attestation class since pre Covid-19/ 2019.
Louth Fine Gael TD, Paula Butterly, welcomed the news, saying today’s attestation numbers show there is a strong interest to join and serve in An Garda Síochána.
“I’m delighted to see Louth will get 14 new Gardaí”, Deputy Butterly confirmed. “These new Gardaí will have a real and impact on our streets and in our communities in Louth.
“I’m particularly delighted to see new Gardaí for three stations in Louth.
“We are all immensely grateful to our Gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the important role that they play in our communities.
“We are working hard to ensure the Gardai continue to have the resources and support they need to protect our communities.”
Deputy Butterly added: “I recently raised the issue of Garda numbers directly with the Garda Commissioner at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and have also highlighted the need for additional Garda resources in local media.
“I have consistently made the case that Louth requires increased Garda strength to meet the needs of our growing communities, so I am very pleased to see these additional Gardaí being allocated to our county.”
Commenting on the 206 new Gardaí attested at the Garda College in Templemore today, Deputy Butterly further added: “This is one of the largest groups to attest in recent years and shows the keen interest of people wanting to join An Garda Siochana.
“This latest attestation builds on the steady pipeline of new recruits, who will continue to enter the College at regular intervals throughout the year.
“I want to congratulate the new recruits and wish them well as they begin their new careers. I look forward to seeing these new Gardaí in Louth.”
The news was also welcomed by Louth Fianna Fáil TD, Erin McGreehan, who said: “This is the largest Garda attestation since 2019 and, with more than 200 recruits due to enter the Garda College next week, it demonstrates that a strong pipeline is being built to increase Garda numbers in communities across the country.
“The allocation of 14 new Gardaí to Louth is very welcome. Every additional Garda strengthens our local policing service and helps ensure our communities receive the support and protection they deserve.
“High visibility policing remains a strong commitment for Fianna Fáil. Visible policing plays a vital role in preventing crime, supporting victims and providing reassurance to local communities.
“Continued investment in Garda recruitment and resources is essential to ensure An Garda Síochána can meet the demands placed upon it.
“The work being led by my colleague, Minister Jim O’Callaghan, to grow Garda numbers is delivering real results. Today’s allocation means more Gardaí on our streets and stronger, safer communities.”