Recruitment age for gardaí to rise from 35 to 50

The last time the age limit to become a Garda increased was in 2004, where it went from 26 to 35.

People will now be able to apply to become a garda up to the age of 50 after Cabinet agreed to raise the maximum age from 35.

Cabinet, on Tuesday, agreed to increase the age by 15 years following proposals from Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

Ms McEntee first flagged the plans in October at a Garda graduation ceremony in Templemore.

The age increase is set to kick in ahead of a Garda recruitment campaign next month.

While the age limit will increase, the current physical fitness test to become a garda will not change under the plan.

The last time the age limit to become a garda increased was in 2004, where it went from 26 to 35.

In February, a ruling at the Labour Court found the existing age limits for gardaí to be discriminatory.

At present, the retirement age will remain at 60, with discussions between Ms McEntee and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe.

New rail lines

Additionally, Cabinet approved two new rail lines contained in the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review.

The lines, the Claremorris-Athenry line and the Waterford-Rosslare Europort line, are due to be included in Ireland’s Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) comprehensive network.

This means that these rail networks need to be completed by 2050. A revised EU-wide TEN-T network map is set to be agreed in the coming months.

Including these two lines within the TEN-T network can provide access to EU funding opportunities, with Ireland previously receiving funds for resignalling works in Dublin city centre, as well as feasibility studies for DART+ South West.

However, this will not automatically entitle Ireland for funding, with internal EU competitions for allocations.

Planning & Environment Court

The justice minister also updated Cabinet on the progress on establishing a new division of the High Court focused on planning and environmental issues.

The three assigned judges for the new court are Ms Justice Emily Farrell, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, and Mr Justice David Holland.

It is expected that urgent cases, including large-scale projects, will be prioritised.

The new court is set to have its first ceremonial sitting next week.