Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the news that 203 new Garda trainees began their training at the Garda College in Templemore on Monday.

This is the fourth Garda intake of 2026 and brings the total number of trainees entering the college this year to 816.

It means An Garda Síochána is now at a record strength of 14,825 sworn members, which is the highest number in the history of the State.

Minister Canney said: “This latest intake of Garda trainees is testament to the progress being achieved to increase Garda numbers, which is a Government priority.

“The current number of sworn members, the highest in the history of the State, reflects the fact that progress is being made in Garda recruitment and training.

As Minister with responsibility for Road Safety, I am also pleased to see an increase in the number of Gardaí assigned to roads policing, with 660 members assigned to the Unit as of October 22^nd.”

The Government has continued to provide record levels of funding to An Garda Síochána. Under Budget 2027 the Garda allocation increased by €167 million to €2.758 billion which will support the recruitment of up to 1,000 new Gardaí, as well as continued investment in frontline policing, specialist capabilities, training and equipment.