Garda presence in Dublin bolstered with new recruits – Farrell

The addition of 115 new Gardaí on the streets of Dublin sends a clear message that crime and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, a Fine Gael TD has said.

The attestation of new Gardaí was brought forward by one month yesterday to allow for improved Garda visibility over the Christmas period.

Deputy Alan Farrell, Fine Gael Justice spokesperson and Dublin Fingal East TD, said, “The Christmas and New Year period is an extremely busy time in the city and around Dublin for socialising, attending events and enjoying the festivities. It’s also a crucial time for many businesses around the city who are counting on high footfall.

“The addition of a total of 151 new Gardaí who passed out of Templemore yesterday is a further boost to ensuring that our streets are a safe and welcoming place. Of the 151 Gardai, 115 will be on the streets of Dublin from this weekend.

Deputy Farrell added: “Boosting the number of Gardai on our streets is one of the best ways to combat anti-social behaviour and reassure law abiding people. I’m sure that many visitors to Dublin City centre in recent weeks will have noticed the increased amount of Gardai on the beat.

“This is one part of a huge body of work that has already been completed by my colleague, Justice Minister McEntee. The work includes introducing new offences, stronger sentencing, introducing body cams for Gardai, increasing the Garda Training Allowance, raising the maximum age of a Garda recruit, and much more.”

“Moreover, next year we have set a target of between 800 and 1,000 new Gardai recruited. Budget 2024, which provided a record level of funding of €2.3 billion by Government to the Garda Commissioner, also provides for a 66% increase in the weekly Garda training allowance, rising to €305 per week.

“The ongoing financial support provides for better technology, better wellbeing supports, in addition to recruitment.

“I was pleased with news from the Justice Minister yesterday that a new Garda recruitment campaign will also launch on 15 January this year.

“Fine Gael is committed to building stronger, safer communities, recent budgets have provided record funding for An Garda Siochana and we will continue to support them in their work, giving no safe refuge to criminal behaviour.”