Target of 15,000 gardaí by 2021 to be missed

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris: 'Ambition' of 450 recruits this year willl bring the strength of the force to 14,700. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Garda hopes to recruit 450 student gardaí this year means the long-standing government target of 15,000 garda members by the close of 2021 will not be met.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said his “ambition” of 450 recruits during 2021 will bring the strength of the force to around 14,700.