Incidents of gardaí going to schools to deal with knives, weapons, and firearms of 'serious concern'

Gardaí recorded 31 incidents in school buildings or on school grounds relating to the possession of an 'offensive weapon' or firearm in 2025, up from 16 reports in 2024

'Schools must be safe havens. The Government, the minister for education and the gardaí must take these threats and trends very seriously,' Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

The number of incidents of gardaí having to go to schools to deal with knives, weapons, and firearms has doubled in the space of a year.

Gardaí recorded 31 incidents in school buildings or on school grounds relating to the possession of an “offensive weapon” or firearm in 2025 alone.