04/09/2026
Minister Jim O’Callaghan Welcomes 2026 Prison Officer Recruitment Drive
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan, has welcomed the start of the Irish Prison Service's 2026 recruitment campaign for Prison Officers, announced on 3 September 2026.
The competition is being run through publicjobs.ie on behalf of the Irish Prison Service and will remain open until 8 October 2026. Further details on the competition and how to apply are available at www.irishprisons.ie/.
Speaking at the launch, Minister O'Callaghan said: "Prison Officers are at the very heart of our criminal justice system. Being a Prison Officer is a demanding and challenging role but it is also a hugely rewarding one.
"I have travelled to prisons across Ireland and have seen the outstanding work carried out by Prison Officers on a daily basis.
"I look forward to welcoming the new recruits of 2026. This recruitment campaign is a vital part of a much wider investment in our prisons and their people.
"If you are looking for a job that involves serving the public, keeping our communities safe and ensuring you can support people at a critical time in their lives, you should consider joining the Irish Prison Service."
Director General of the Irish Prison Service, Caron McCaffrey, added: "The Recruit Prison Officer campaign is a vital opportunity for the Irish Prison Service to attract individuals who are committed to public service. Prison officers play a vital security role while also serving as catalysts for positive change, guiding individuals in custody towards rehabilitation and helping to make our communities safer."
The 2025 campaign drew more than 1,700 applicants, with 304 new Prison Officers joining the service last year.
Applications will be accepted online through publicjobs.ie from 3 September 2026. Eligible candidates will undertake a multi-stage selection process, including written assessments, physical fitness tests, interviews and background checks. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training accredited by South-East Technological University (SETU) as the Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care, aligned to Level 6 on the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland framework.
The competition is being run through publicjobs.ie on behalf of the Irish Prison Service and will remain open until 8 October 2026. Further details on the competition and how to apply are available at www.irishprisons.ie/.
Speaking at the launch, Minister O'Callaghan said: "Prison Officers are at the very heart of our criminal justice system. Being a Prison Officer is a demanding and challenging role but it is also a hugely rewarding one.
"I have travelled to prisons across Ireland and have seen the outstanding work carried out by Prison Officers on a daily basis.
"I look forward to welcoming the new recruits of 2026. This recruitment campaign is a vital part of a much wider investment in our prisons and their people.
Director General of the Irish Prison Service, Caron McCaffrey, added: "The Recruit Prison Officer campaign is a vital opportunity for the Irish Prison Service to attract individuals who are committed to public service. Prison officers play a vital security role while also serving as catalysts for positive change, guiding individuals in custody towards rehabilitation and helping to make our communities safer."
The 2025 campaign drew more than 1,700 applicants, with 304 new Prison Officers joining the service last year.
Applications will be accepted online through publicjobs.ie from 3 September 2026. Eligible candidates will undertake a multi-stage selection process, including written assessments, physical fitness tests, interviews and background checks. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training accredited by South-East Technological University (SETU) as the Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care, aligned to Level 6 on the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland framework.
Latest Irish News
04 September 2026
Minister Jim O’Callaghan Welcomes 2026 Prison Officer Recruitment Drive
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan, has welcomed the start of the Irish Prison Service's 2026 recruitment campaign for Prison Officers, announced on 3 September 2026. The competition is being run through publicjobs.ie on behalf of the Irish Prison Service and will remain open until 8 October 2026.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan Welcomes 2026 Prison Officer Recruitment Drive
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan, has welcomed the start of the Irish Prison Service's 2026 recruitment campaign for Prison Officers, announced on 3 September 2026. The competition is being run through publicjobs.ie on behalf of the Irish Prison Service and will remain open until 8 October 2026.
04 September 2026
Ministers Mandate Helmets And High-Vis For E-Scooter Users
New rules taking effect on 4 September 2026 form the first step in a broader road safety package for e-scooters, with higher penalties and a planned rise in the minimum age to follow.
Ministers Mandate Helmets And High-Vis For E-Scooter Users
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04 September 2026
Greens Urge Government To Halt Public Transport Fare Hike
The Green Party has condemned the Government's decision to increase public transport fares, arguing it runs counter to efforts to ease congestion and cut emissions while household budgets are under pressure.
Greens Urge Government To Halt Public Transport Fare Hike
The Green Party has condemned the Government's decision to increase public transport fares, arguing it runs counter to efforts to ease congestion and cut emissions while household budgets are under pressure.
03 September 2026
Nocturnal Beats Puts Dublin’s Nightlife Centre Stage This September
Dublin City Council's Night-Time Economy Advisor joins forces with Dublin Fringe Festival for Nocturnal Beats, a month-long celebration of late-night culture backed by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
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03 September 2026
€1 Million Worth Of Cocaine Seized At Cork Airport In Joint Garda And Customs Operation
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03 September 2026
Contracts Signed As Ennis Fire Station Project Enters Design Phase
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Clare County Council has appointed a design team and signed contracts to advance a new headquarters for Clare County Fire and Rescue Service in Ennis, clearing the way for detailed design and statutory approvals.
02 September 2026
McEntee Launches 'Be Emergency Ready' Campaign To Help Households Prepare
The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, has launched Be Emergency Ready, a nationwide campaign urging households to take straightforward steps to prepare for emergencies and disruption. The initiative was unveiled on 28 August 2026 at the refurbished Meath Civil Defence facility in Navan.
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The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, has launched Be Emergency Ready, a nationwide campaign urging households to take straightforward steps to prepare for emergencies and disruption. The initiative was unveiled on 28 August 2026 at the refurbished Meath Civil Defence facility in Navan.
02 September 2026
Boil Water Notice Issued For Rathangan’s Pomeroy Park
A Boil Water Notice has been introduced for Pomeroy Park in Rathangan, covering house numbers 1–72 inclusive, following the detection of increased bacteria levels in the local supply. The precautionary measure, agreed with the Health Service Executive (HSE), was announced on 31 August 2026 and will remain in place until lifted.
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A Boil Water Notice has been introduced for Pomeroy Park in Rathangan, covering house numbers 1–72 inclusive, following the detection of increased bacteria levels in the local supply. The precautionary measure, agreed with the Health Service Executive (HSE), was announced on 31 August 2026 and will remain in place until lifted.
02 September 2026
Met Éireann Reveals 2026/27 Storm Names As Service Marks 90th Year
Met Éireann, working with the UK Met Office and the Netherlands' KNMI, has unveiled the names for the 2026/27 storm season, which begins today, 1 September 2026, and runs until 31 August 2027. The collaboration has agreed a 21-strong list, with seven names provided by each national service.
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Met Éireann, working with the UK Met Office and the Netherlands' KNMI, has unveiled the names for the 2026/27 storm season, which begins today, 1 September 2026, and runs until 31 August 2027. The collaboration has agreed a 21-strong list, with seven names provided by each national service.
01 September 2026
EU Ministers Gather In Wicklow As Gardaí Set Out Traffic, Drone And Maritime Curbs
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Informal meetings of EU Defence Ministers and EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will be held at Druids Glen, Co Wicklow. Proceedings begin on Monday 31 August and run until Wednesday afternoon, 2 September, as part of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
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Ireland WeatherToday:It will be bright with sunny spells and just a few isolated light showers over northern counties in the morning, becoming dry in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:Dry at first with some bright spells but becoming cloudy through the evening and overnight with some patchy light rain and freshening southerly winds. Minimum temperature 12 °C.