The graduating class, known as Intake 261, is the largest group to attest since before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019. A further 398 Garda trainees are currently undergoing training at the Garda College, with the next intake, Intake 264, scheduled to begin on 2 November 2026.
The Garda College suspended the recruitment training programme in March 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, leaving no further recruits in training at that time.
Of the 207 newly attested Gardaí, 136 are men and 71 are women, representing 66% and 34% of the class respectively. The group also includes 24 members born outside Ireland, representing 15 countries, including England, Eswatini, Moldova and Poland.
The new probationers will now take up operational duties across Garda divisions nationwide, with 84 assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region, 76 to the Eastern Region, 27 to the North-Western Region and 20 to the Southern Region.
Within the allocations, 28 probationer Gardaí will be assigned to the Waterford and Kilkenny Division to support the introduction of high-visibility patrols in Waterford City.
Additional Garda personnel will also be provided across every division through the latest allocations and subsequent transfers, with the aim of supporting frontline policing throughout the State.
Speaking at the attestation ceremony, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly welcomed the increase in personnel and highlighted the organisation's continued expansion.
“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.”
The Commissioner also noted that the graduating class was the largest to complete training since before the pandemic and said recruitment efforts were expected to continue delivering results.
“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.”
He added that interest in a policing career remained strong, with efforts continuing to build on recruitment momentum in the coming years.
According to Gov.ie Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan also welcomed the graduation of the 207 new members, describing the milestone as evidence of the Government's continued investment in policing and community safety.
The Minister said the deployment of the new Gardaí to stations around the country would increase Garda visibility, reinforce frontline services and improve public safety.
“With these new Gardaí joining the organisation, Garda strength has now reached its highest level in the history of An Garda Síochána. This is an important milestone and demonstrates this Government's commitment to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the personnel and resources needed to keep people safe.”
Mr O'Callaghan congratulated the new members on beginning their careers in public service and wished them success in their roles serving communities across Ireland.
He also pointed to the continued pace of recruitment and said that, with additional funding provided under Budget 2027, Garda numbers were expected to exceed 15,000 in the near future.
The latest attestation marks a significant point in the expansion of An Garda Síochána, with hundreds more recruits in training and further recruitment expected to increase staffing levels in the months ahead.
