'Imbalance must be addressed': Number of gardaí in Longford at lowest point in a decade

There are fewer gardaí stationed in County Longford than at any point in the last decade, new figures have revealed.

The news won't come as a major surprise to local political representatives who have been very vocal in their calls for extra gardaí to be deployed to Longford in the wake of the brutal recent double stabbing incident. 

Also read: Bloodied injured man dumped outside Longford Garda station after double stabbing attack

The latest statistics show that there are currently 124 gardaí operating in the county, as of December 2025.

It is the lowest such figure since 2015, when there were 121 gardaí stationed in the county.

It also represents a 14.5 percent decrease on the 2020 total, which was a record high of 145.

Of the 124 gardaí currently stationed in Longford, 101 are on general duty, 18 are sergeants and four are inspectors. There is also one superintendent.

Also read: Longford stabbings ‘an all-time low in criminality’ as ‘drug related’ violence escalates

The majority of these gardaí are stationed in Longford town, which is home to some 68 gardaí. Meanwhile, there are 26 gardaí stationed in Granard and eight in Ballymahon.

Elsewhere, Edgeworthstown boasts three gardaí, followed by Lanesboro with two and Smear with the singular garda.

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.

In the Dáil this week, Deputy Micheál Carrigy raised the issue of Garda numbers in Longford.

He highlighted that of the past three attestations coming out of Templemore, county Longford 'have been lucky to receive one probationary Garda in our county'.

Also read: Longford needs more gardaí: 'We are not adequately resourced to deal with level of serious incidents'

Deputy Carrigy continued, "Over the past number of months, we have actually lost nine members between retirement, resignation and those transferring to other units. While a number have transferred in, we are still down numbers."

He said Longford was 'looking to make sure we are brought up to the same cohort and the same level of service and support as in any other part of the country' and he asked that Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan bring 'this imbalance' to the attention of the Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly. 

Deputy Carrigy concluded, "We have had a number of issues in our local towns that have appeared in the national media, so we want to make sure we are able to support the very good work that is being done by the gardaí on the ground in Longford."

Replying, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, "It is a sign of the high esteem in which An Garda Síochána is held in this country that every part of the country is looking for more gardaí but I know it is also to have greater security and safety."

Also read: Calls for Garda Commissioner and Justice Minister to visit Longford following brutal double stabbing

Mr Martin remarked, "About 94 members of An Garda Síochána are assigned to stations in Longford, which is an increase of 8% since the end of 2016 when there were 87 members. We will focus and I will talk to the Minister and the Commissioner."