New intake of student gardaí may be largest in over six years

New Garda recruits being taken through their paces at the Garda training college in Templemore, Co Tipperary. File picture: Chani Anderson

The next intake of student gardaí into Templemore College may be the largest in over six years, according to early indications.

Close to 200 trainees are due to enter the Garda facility in the next intake, set to take place in early March.

While exact numbers will not be known until the day, estimates suggest it could mark the largest number to enter the college since November 2019.

When contacted, Garda HQ said it could not confirm estimated numbers. 

“We are not in a position to confirm final numbers for this intake as people’s circumstances can change before they formally enter as Garda trainees but we are seeing good numbers to date for the March intake.” 

The new Government has set very ambitious targets in terms of Garda recruitment — with a commitment to provide funding to recruit “at least” 5,000 new gardaí over the next five years.

Last month, newly-appointed justice minister Jim O’Callaghan reiterated this commitment, although he accepted that only 631 recruits left Templemore in 2024 and just short of 750 in 2023 — against government commitments to recruit 800-1,000 a year.

The strength of the force at the end of 2024 was 14,190, which is just 200 more than at the start of the year.

As it stands, four student intakes are planned for 2025, which would suggest a maximum of 800 for the full year, unless an additional intake is included.

The programme for government talks about “expanding capacity” at Templemore and examining the establishment of a “second Garda training college”.

It also said the Government would consider allowing trainees to undergo part of their training course in regional colleges, although no further details are provided.

A new Garda recruitment campaign, launched on February 6, is due to end this Thursday — with Mr O’Callaghan and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris emphasising the excitement and personal fulfilment in the work of a garda, as opposed to sedentary, office jobs, to potential applicants.