Eight new gardai allocated to Meath stations
Over 160 gardaí were attested as sworn members of An Garda Síochána last Friday (6th February 2026), with 31 of those to be allocated to the Eastern region of the country. Three of the 167 probationer Gardaí have been allocated to Navan and five to Ashbourne following their attestation.
Numbers have fluctuated over the last several years in both Ashbourne and Navan Garda stations, with the total number of staff in Navan being 100 in 2025 and 104 in 2024, dropping four members in one year. Ashbourne had 58 members of staff in 2025 and 64 in 2024, dropping by six members in one year, meaning new members will be welcomed by both towns.
From 2022 to 2023, Navan Garda Station went up by 18 members bringing their 2023 number to 93 members in total and Ashbourne Garda Station went up by nine members, bringing their number to 59.
Speaking on the announcement, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath West, Deputy Aisling Dempsey said: “This is very welcome news for the people of Meath. Having more Gardaí visible and working in our communities strengthens local policing, helps deter crime and, most importantly, reassures people that they are safe.”
Minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “This is the first of four attestations due to take place this year and I look forward to larger classes attesting as the year progresses. Under Budget 2026 I secured funding of €2.74 billion for An Garda Síochána to support recruitment and staffing. I will work with the Garda Commissioner to optimise recruitment. This includes expanding capacity of the training college.”
The 167 newly-attested Gardaí bring to nearly 1,800 the number of Probationer Gardaí attested since recruitment recommenced in 2022 (post-Covid).
The next intake of Garda recruits (Intake 261) of up to 215 Garda trainees, entered the Garda College this week.
Speaking at the passing out parade Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said
“I would like to acknowledge the choice you have all made here to become a Garda.
For me, it is one of the greatest privileges in life to serve the people of Ireland.
“You join more than 18,000 Gardaí and Garda staff who each play a pivotal role in keeping people safe.”