Garda numbers hit all-time high as force reaches historic peak of 14,800

An Garda Síochána has reached its highest numbers in the history of the Irish state, with the latest graduation bringing numbers to nearly 15,000.

Following the attestation of 207 recruits, the number of sworn Garda members will rise to a historic high of 14,825.

The graduating class is the single largest attestation since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic.

The figure of 14,825 sworn Garda members exceeds the previous highest number of 14,758 in March 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly will tell those at the attestation ceremony they are joining An Garda Síochána “at a time of significant growth and development”.

“Following today’s event, An Garda Síochána will have the highest level of Gardaí in its history, as we now approach 15,000 Gardaí,” he will say.

“This is an important milestone as we continue to strengthen our capacity to serve communities throughout Ireland.

“Furthermore, your intake represents the largest cohort to pass out from the Garda College since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Of course we expect to further strengthen frontline policing and build our capacity to serve communities throughout Ireland. And, this year, we expect to see close to 1,000 new Gardaí passing through the Garda College, reflecting the continued progress being made in recruitment and training.

“There remains strong interest in a career in policing and we are working to build on that momentum in the years ahead.”

The newly attested group comprises 136 men and 71 women, with 24 from outside Ireland from 15 countries including England, Eswatini and Moldova.

A further 398 Garda recruits are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College.

The next intake of recruits will enter the Garda College on November 2.