Eight New Gardaí for Louth as Ardee Gains Fresh Member
By ArdeePost Reporter
Louth to Receive Eight New Gardaí, Including One Assigned to Ardee.
County Louth is set to benefit from eight newly deployed Gardaí, with one stationed in Ardee, four in Drogheda, and three in Dundalk, following the graduation of 194 recruits from the Garda College in Templemore. The latest attestation marks a significant boost to the county’s frontline policing resources and brings the total number of new Gardaí deployed nationwide this year to over 600.
The new class—the largest since 2019—includes 57 women and 137 men, alongside 17 newly graduated Garda Reserves who will also support community policing efforts across the country.
A Welcome Boost for Community Policing in Ardee
Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, welcomed the allocation of the new Garda members, describing it as an important step in enhancing public safety, Garda visibility, and community reassurance.
“I’m delighted to see real momentum building when it comes to Garda recruitment and the allocation of new members to communities across the country,” Deputy McGreehan said.
“The Minister has made Garda recruitment a top priority since taking office, and we are now seeing the results of that focus.”
She emphasised that the addition of eight Gardaí—including one to be stationed in Ardee—will play a key role in strengthening policing presence in towns and villages across the county.
“This is ultimately about restoring public confidence in our Garda force and ensuring they have the resources they need. The best way to strengthen public trust and ensure people feel safe is through greater Garda visibility and accessibility in our communities.”
National Recruitment Momentum Builds
The passing out ceremony at Templemore highlighted a renewed national push to rebuild Garda numbers following several years of recruitment challenges.
Key details include:
- 194 new Gardaí graduating nationwide
- Over 600 new Gardaí deployed in 2024
- Largest graduating class since 2019
- 57 female and 137 male recruits
- 17 new Garda Reserves
The progress comes following two major recruitment campaigns launched this year under the leadership of Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
The numbers show strong public interest in joining the force:
- February recruitment campaign: 6,784 applicants
- October recruitment campaign: 4,334 applicants
- 57% of October applicants were first-time candidates, indicating growing appeal among new generations.
With more trainees already in the pipeline, the Department of Justice has indicated that strengthening Garda numbers will remain a top priority.
Strengthening Community Safety Across Louth
The new allocation ensures additional Gardaí “on the beat” across the county:
- Ardee: +1 Garda
- Drogheda: +4 Gardaí
- Dundalk: +3 Gardaí
The increased policing presence is expected to support:
- Local crime prevention
- Road safety operations
- Youth and community engagement
- Faster response times
- Improved Garda visibility
Local representatives have long called for increased resources in the county, and the announcement signals continued progress in enhancing community policing across Louth.. The longer this drags on, the harder it becomes for local businesses and residents to thrive.”