An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022

Wednesday, 19 October 2022

Ceisteanna (191)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

191. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of the number of gardaí per person in each sub-district throughout Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52232/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information from An Garda Síochána, and will respond to the Deputy when this is available.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 19 October 2022 where you asked

for:

“ A breakdown of the number of Gardaí per person in each sub-district throughout Ireland.”

As you will recall, I sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.

As you will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.

I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimal use. I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the Preliminary figures as provided by CSO for Census 2022, per County. I am further advised that a breakdown by sub district is not available at this time, and that the full set of Census 2022 results will be published between April and December 2023.

Garda Strengths as on 30/09/2022. CSO Preliminary Population figures 2022

Division	Garda Strength 30/09/2022	Ratio - 1 member per	Preliminary 2022 figures
CARLOW	112	553	61,931
CAVAN	205	394	81,201
CLARE	310	411	127,419
CORK TOTAL (City, North, West)	1,343	433	581,231
DMR Total (North, N Central, South, S Central, East, West)	3,901	372	1,450,701
DONEGAL	447	372	166,321
GALWAY	619	447	276,451
KERRY	349	445	155,258
KILDARE	441	560	246,977
KILKENNY	221	469	103,685
LAOIS	217	422	91,657
LEITRIM	105	334	35,087
LIMERICK	600	342	205,444
LONGFORD	139	335	46,634
LOUTH	408	341	139,100
MAYO	319	430	137,231
MEATH	331	666	220,296
MONAGHAN	176	368	64,832
OFFALY	163	507	82,668
ROSCOMMON	160	437	69,995
SLIGO	190	367	69,819
TIPPERARY	400	419	167,661
WATERFORD	382	333	127,085
WESTMEATH	252	380	95,840
WEXFORD	340	481	163,527
WICKLOW	310	502	155,485

As you will appreciate, Garda numbers nationwide can be affected by a number of factors, including retirements, medical discharges and resignations. The impact of policing measures and other steps to support the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an exceptional impact across the country over the past two years.

I trust this information is of assistance.