Number of gardaí down 2.4% nationally — Cork North sees biggest reduction

Official figures published by An Garda Síochána show 25 out of the country’s 28 Garda divisions experienced a reduction in staffing levels. File picture

The number of gardaí based in stations around the country fell by 2.4% nationally during 2021, with almost 300 fewer gardaí on frontline duties than at the start of the year.

Official figures published by An Garda Síochána show 25 out of the country’s 28 Garda divisions experienced a reduction in staffing levels, with drops in manpower of more than 5% recorded in three divisions — Cork North, Sligo/Leitrim and Roscommon/Longford.