Fifteen new Garda recruits allocated to Meath

Over 200 gardaí were attested as sworn members of An Garda Síochána this week with 15 recruits heading for Co Meath.

The graduation class of Intake 254 is the largest single attestation class since pre Covid-19 in 2019.

A further 404 Garda recruits (Intakes 261, 262) are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College.

The next intake of Garda recruits (Intake 263) of over 200 Garda Trainees will enter the Garda College on Monday 27th July 2026.

Intake 263 will bring to nearly 3,000 the number of Garda Trainees that have started in the Garda College since recruitment recommenced in 2022.

Minister Thomas Byrne today welcomed the allocation of 15 new gardaí for the county which stood at 321 before today's allocation announcement.

Minister Thomas Byrne TD has warmly welcomed the allocation of 15 newly attested Gardaí to County Meath, with nine assigned to Ashbourne Garda Station and six to Navan Garda Station as part of today's nationwide deployment of 206 new Garda members.

"This is very welcome news for communities across County Meath. The allocation of 16 new Gardaí will strengthen frontline policing and provide an important boost to local Garda resources," said Minister Byrne.

"I am particularly pleased to see nine new Gardaí assigned to Ashbourne and six to Navan, two of the county's fastest-growing areas where increased Garda numbers are essential to meet the needs of expanding communities.

"These additional Gardaí will help enhance community policing, improve visibility on our streets and provide greater reassurance to local families and businesses."

Minister Byrne also congratulated the new recruits on joining An Garda Síochána.

"I want to congratulate each of the new Garda members who attested today. They have chosen a career dedicated to public service and keeping our communities safe, and I wish them every success as they begin this important work."

Minister Byrne added that the Government remains committed to increasing Garda numbers nationwide through sustained recruitment and investment, ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources needed to protect communities across Meath and throughout the country.

Strength of An Garda Síochána (24th July 2026)

14,733 Sworn Gardaí

3,683 Garda Staff

304Garda Reserves

604 Garda Trainees*

Probationer Gardaí (Intake 252):

142 Male/ 64 Female (69% male, 31% female)

24 Gardaí born outside the state from 15 countries

Austria, Belarus, Brazil, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, England, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Vietnam

These 206 newly sworn Gardaí will now take on operational responsibilities and will be allocated as follows:

Dublin Region 94

Eastern Region 56

Southern Region 25

North Western Region 31