Garda ranks to swell by 1,100 to help fight on crime

THERE will be an extra 1,100 gardaí on the streets next year, helped by a 10% rise in the force’s budget.

The €181 million rise in funding will also provide 1,200 new garda cars and vans and the leasing of a new digital radio system, Tánaiste and Justice Minister Michael McDowell said.

He was adamant that more garda numbers with the extra funds would help battle crime.