Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. The introduction of the new garda operating model, which has been rolled out in the Kilkenny-Carlow Garda division, will provide more front-line gardaí, increased Garda visibility and a wider range of policing services for people in Carlow and Kilkenny.

It is important to emphasise this supports greater service delivery across the division through four functional areas, one of the most important being community engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent focus on community policing in all divisions.

I am informed that as of 31 January 2025, the number of gardaí assigned to Kilkenny and Carlow is 313 members. There are also 52 garda staff assigned to the division, an increase of 92% since 2015. Garda staff working alongside gardaí, carry out vital roles to increase availability of gardaí for front-line duties.

It is also important to state that a total of 98 vehicles are allocated to the Kilkenny-Carlow division, including 38 marked cars, 37 unmarked, 19 vans, two motorcycles, one 4x4 and one other SUV or minivan used for prisoner transportation.

As the Deputy can see, considerable investment is being provided. I am aware from speaking to him the importance of having greater Garda visibility on the ground in Kilkenny and Carlow. The way we will achieve this is by getting recruitment up to An Garda Síochána. We must try to get more people to join An Garda Síochána. It is a great career and I am sure there are many people in Carlow and Kilkenny who would consider it as a career. We as TDs have an obligation to encourage people to consider a career in An Garda Síochána because unless we get the numbers, we will not be able to provide the level of community and general policing we wish to see.

See this speech in context