In a substantial shift within Ireland's policing structure, 129 out of over 560 garda stations experienced reductions in assigned gardaí last year. Significant decreases were reported in key areas like Cavan town and Cork. While there was an overall increase in the number of gardaí nationally, almost 25% of stations showed a decrease in staffing. The new operating model has centralized resources into four regional centers, exacerbating a shortage in rural policing as one in ten stations now lack a designated officer, raising concerns about public safety in those areas.
129 of 567 garda stations saw a reduction in gardaí assigned to them last year, with significant decreases in stations such as Cavan, Cork, and Dundalk.
Despite an overall increase in the number of gardaí across the country, almost a quarter of garda stations had fewer officers at the end of 2024 compared to the start.
The restructuring has resulted in four new regional centres in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Waterford, reallocating staffing but leaving some rural stations with no designated garda.
Notably, one in 10 stations are now without a designated garda, indicating a significant shift in staffing priorities, particularly affecting small rural areas.
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