Just two of 165 new Garda recruits will be stationed in Co Donegal.
A total of 12 new recruits have been assigned to the North Western region.
However, Donegal Daily has learned that just two will be stationed locally in Donegal.
A total of six Donegal natives were part of the latest batch of recruits to be attested as sworn members of An Garda Síochána at Templemore Garda College today.
The Donegal (main pic) natives include Gardaí Geoff Mullen (Monaghan), Ruairí Gallachoir (Navan), Eibhlín Doherty (Letterkenny), Jennifer Forrestal (Navan), Darren McGilloway (Monaghan), Robbie Hegarty (Letterkenny).
They are pictured above with Training Sergeant Paul Forrestal at their attestation today.
These 165 newly sworn members will be allocated as follows:
• Dublin Region 101
• Eastern Region 39
• Southern Region 14
• NorthWestern Region 12
Strength of An Garda Síochána (22nd March 2024)
• 14,091 Sworn Gardaí
• 3,494 Garda Staff
• 346 Garda Reserves
A further 277 Garda recruits, 2 intakes, are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College.
The next intake of Garda recruits is scheduled to enter the Garda College on the 8th April 2024.
These 165 newly sworn Gardaí will now take on operational responsibilities.
Speaking at today’s 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.
“And from today you will join them and strengthen this fine organisation.”
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, drug seizures, on duty in Dublin during Serious Public Order Incident in November 2023 and helped citizens in need at their most vulnerable.
