Garda strength has reached a new high after 207 recruits were attested at the Garda College in Templemore, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan has announced. The milestone means the force is now at its strongest level in the organisation's history.

The new probationer Gardaí, comprising 136 men and 71 women, will be allocated to divisions around the country by the Garda Commissioner as part of the Government's ongoing investment in policing and community safety.

Speaking at the attestation ceremony, Mr O'Callaghan said: "I am delighted to welcome these 207 newly attested Gardaí as they begin their careers serving communities across Ireland.

"The deployment of these new members to stations across the country will strengthen frontline policing, increase Garda visibility and enhance community safety. "With these new Gardaí joining the organisation, Garda strength has now reached its highest level in the history of An Garda Síochána. This is an important milestone and demonstrates this Government's commitment to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the personnel and resources needed to keep people safe.

"I want to congratulate each of our new Gardaí and thank them for choosing a career in public service. They are joining an organisation with a proud tradition of service to the public, and I wish them every success in the years ahead."

Of the 207 attesting today, 84 will be posted to the Dublin Metropolitan Region, 76 to the Eastern Region, 27 to the North-Western Region, and 20 to the Southern Region.

The Minister said recruitment to An Garda Síochána continues at pace and, supported by additional funding in Budget 2027, he expects overall Garda strength to exceed 15,000 members in the near future.