Justin Kelly to succeed Drew Harris as new Garda Commissioner

(left to right) Garda Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly is congratulated by Taoiseach Micheál Martin  at Government Buildings in Dublin. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

A 53-year-old career police officer takes the helm of An Garda Síochána as it battles to increase in numbers, improve morale, tackle violence and organise security for Ireland’s presidency of the EU in 2026.

Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly received the backing of the Cabinet on Tuesday to replace Commissioner Drew Harris on 1 September. The former PSNI chief was the first officer from another jurisdiction to head An Garda Síochána, joining in September 2018.