Number of gardaí in Donegal increases but force yet to recover to pandemic levels

The number of gardaí stationed in County Donegal has increased over the past year, but the force is yet to recover to the strength it experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The latest figures reveal that there are 436 gardaí operating in the county, as of December 2025.

This represents a 2.8 percent increase on the previous year’s figure of 424. However, the number remains well below the 2020 figure of 462 gardaí.

Of the 436 gardaí currently stationed in Donegal, 356 are on general duty, 61 are sergeants and 14 are inspectors. There are also four superintendents and one chief superintendent.

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Letterkenny boasts the largest number of gardaí in the county, with 137 gardaí operating in the town. It is followed by Buncrana with 62 and Milford with 41.

Meanwhile, 35 gardaí are stationed in Ballymote and Ballyshannon, while there are 28 on duty in Donegal town.

Elsewhere, Ballybofey has 24 gardaí, Carndonagh has 16 and Lifford has 11. A number of other towns and villages have garda numbers in the single figures.

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.