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Community & Policing
I am committed to building stronger, safer communities across Ireland. Budget 2024 reflects this commitment with a significant increase in funding, allocating over €3.27 billion in current expenditure and €274 million for capital projects in the Justice sector. This budget focuses heavily on community safety, Garda recruitment, and the enhancement of resources to ensure high visibility policing and effective crime prevention.
Garda Recruitment and Resources
Budget 24 will fund Garda recruitment efforts between 800 and 1,000 new trainees enter Templemore next year. We have also increased Garda overtime by 25%, enabling continued high visibility policing. To support our frontline Garda members, we are recruiting an additional 250 Garda staff, freeing up officers for active duty.
To further assist in our recruitment efforts, government has increased the Garda training allowance, demonstrating our determination to grow An Garda Síochána to 15,000 members and beyond. The response to our recent recruitment drive was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly 6,400 applicants, a notable increase from last year, particularly among those aged 35 to 50 after we raised the maximum entry age. At the end of June, 157 new Garda members were attested, bringing the total strength to 14,100, and more are set to join in the coming months.
Community Safety Partnerships
I understand that protecting our citizens extends beyond policing alone. In 2024, total funding of €7.9 million will create a new National Office for Community Safety and roll out Community Safety Partnerships to plan the community’s own safety priorities in every area of the country. These partnerships will empower communities to plan their own safety priorities.
We have also continued our commitment to youth diversion measures with a 10% budget increase, bringing the total to over €33 million. This will allow us to provide full nationwide coverage of Youth Diversion Projects for the first time, with expanded weekend availability and targeted support for vulnerable children and families. By investing in these initiatives, we aim to divert young people from crime, creating pathways to education, training, and employment.
Enhanced Garda Resources
We have invested significantly in technology to enhance policing capabilities. A €3.2 million investment in public order equipment, including vehicles and water cannons, is part of this effort. The rollout of Garda mobile devices has been completed, providing real-time access to essential apps and reducing paperwork, which enables Garda members to perform their duties more efficiently.
Additionally, the deployment of the GardaSafe platform and Automatic Number Plate Recognition in Garda vehicles allows for improved crime reporting and real-time identification of suspect vehicles.
The introduction of Body Worn Cameras in Dublin has commenced, which will not only ensure Garda safety but also aid in gathering evidence when public disorder occurs.
Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to community and policing in Ireland, reflecting our shared goal of a safer, stronger society for all.