Issue Date: 15/10/2026
An Garda Síochána reaches the highest number of Gardaí in the History of the State – Attestation of 207 Gardaí, 16th October 2026
• 14,825 Sworn Garda Members
o Today, 16th October 2026 An Garda Síochána reaches the highest historical number of sworn members of An Garda Síochána in the History of the State
• 207 new Gardaí
o The graduation class of Intake 261 is the largest single attestation class since pre Covid-19/ 2019.
• 28 Garda Probationers allocated to Waterford/ Kilkenny Division
o To support roll out of High Visibility Beats in Waterford City
• Additional Garda numbers provided to every Garda Division following attestation allocations and consequential transfers to support frontline policing nationwide
• 398 Garda Trainees currently in training in the Garda College
14,825 sworn Garda members exceeds the previous highest number of 14,758 in March 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A further 398 Garda recruits are in training in the Garda College, with the next intake 264 to enter the Garda College on the 2nd November 2026. In March 2020 the Garda College shut due to Covid-19 restrictions with no further recruits in training.
Speaking at the Attestation Ceremony Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly will state:
"You are joining An Garda Síochána at a time of significant growth and development.
Following today’s event, An Garda Síochána will have the highest level of Gardaí in its history, as we now approach 15,000 Gardaí. This is an important milestone as we continue to strengthen our capacity to serve communities throughout Ireland.
Furthermore, your intake represents the largest cohort to pass out from the Garda College since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Of course we expect to further strengthen frontline policing and build our capacity to serve communities throughout Ireland. And, this year, we expect to see close to 1,000 new Gardaí passing through the Garda College, reflecting the continued progress being made in recruitment and training.
There remains strong interest in a career in policing and we are working to build on that momentum in the years ahead.”
Probationer Gardaí (Intake 261):
• 136 Male/ 71 Female (66% male, 34% female)
• 24 Gardaí born outside the state from 15 countries
o England, Eswatini, Moldova, Poland
These 207 newly sworn Gardaí will now take on operational responsibilities and will be allocated as follows:
• Dublin Region 84
• Eastern Region 76
• Southern Region 20
• North Western Region 27
The allocation of Probationer Gardaí is initially to Training Garda Stations and allows for consequential inter-divisional transfers of other members.
As a result of consequential transfers every Garda Division will receive an increase in Garda numbers.
These newly attested 207 members of An Garda Síochána were recruited as part of the 2024/ 2025 recruitment campaigns.
Intake 261 commenced training on the 9th February 2026 and have undertaken a blend of on-site learning in the Garda College, and experiential learning in training Garda stations.
The 207 newly attested Gardaí bring to over 2,400 the number of Probationer Gardaí attested since recruitment recommenced in 2022.
*Ongoing Recruitment:
A further 398 Garda recruits (Intakes 262, 263) are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College.
The next intake of Garda recruits (Intake 264) will enter the Garda College on Monday 2nd November 2026.
Intake 264 will bring to over 3,000 the number of Garda Trainees that have started in the Garda College since recruitment recommenced in 2022.
Recruit classes continue to enter the Garda College every 11 - 12 weeks.
Garda Recruitment:
Garda Recruitment is a multistage process.
PublicJobs phase:
• Stage 1:
Following completion of the online application form, candidates are required to complete online Verbal, Numerical Assessment Tests and Questionnaires.
• Stage 2:
Successful candidates at stage 1 are invited to undertake a competency based interview.
Following Interview PublicJobs provide details of successful candidate to An Garda Síochána to undergo Stage 3, Appointments Process. The appointments process is conducted by An Garda Síochána.
During the appointments process candidates must complete
• Physical Competence Test (PCT)
• Medical Examination
• Substance Misuse (Controlled Drug) Testing
• Vetting
In successful completion of all the above parts a candidate may be invited to partake in the Foundation Training Programme as Recruit Gardaí.
• Phase 1 of the Foundation Training Programme takes 32 weeks and includes
o Stage 1 – Garda College
o Stage 2 – Experiential, Observational learning Stage in Operational Garda Stations
o Stage 3 – Capstone stage, Garda College
At the completion of Phase 1 of the Foundation Training Programme Recruit Gardaí are attested and become Probationer Gardaí.
A Garda spokesperson is not available in advance of the ceremony.
