Just 12 new Gardaí have been allocated to the Northwestern region headquartered in Galway from the latest batch of newly sworn officers.
This week 165 Gardaí were attested as sworn members of An Garda Síochána.
Of those, just 12 were allocated to the Northwestern Region, the smallest number of any of the Garda operational regions.
The Northwestern Region, which is headquartered in Galway City, consists of Galway, Roscommon, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Longford, and Donegal.
Of the over 6,300 applicants in the 2024 recruitment campaign, the final recruits are:
- 69% male, 31% female
- 60% under 35 years, 40% 35 – 49 years
- 25% noted their ethnicity as other than White Irish
The new Gardaí commenced their Garda training in July 2023, and have undertaken a blend of on-line learning, on-site learning in the Garda College, and experiential learning in training Garda stations.
During their training, these new Probationer Gardaí observed and assisted at Fatal Road Traffic Collisions, major crime investigations, and drug seizures.
They were also on duty in Dublin during the Serious Public Order Incident in November 2023 and helped citizens in need at their most vulnerable.
Speaking at the attestation, Commissioner Drew Harris welcoming the new Garda probationers said, “An Garda Síochána is built upon the hard work, dedication and commitment given by its Gardaí and its staff.”
“As one of the most trusted police services in the world, the vast majority of people believe An Garda Síochána delivers a good service. And most people have few concerns about crime in their local area.”
“These significant achievements have been possible by the foundations laid by others who have passed through this college and stood where you are today.”
The 165 newly attested Gardaí bring to 553 the number of Probationer Gardaí attested since recruitment recommenced in 2022 following Covid-19 restrictions paused recruitment in 2020.
These 165 newly sworn members will be allocated as follows:
- Dublin Region 101
- Eastern Region 39
- Southern Region 14
- NorthWestern Region 12
