Significant changes to Laois Offaly Garda operating model announced

Significant new changes to Laois Offaly Garda operating model are expected to free up local gardai for frontline duties. 

Laois Offaly Garda Chief Superintendent, Anthony Lonergan said the changes will mean  frontline gardaí can focus on their core duties of serving the people of Laois and Offaly. 

According to gardaí,  “the Garda Síochána Operating Model is the most significant transformation in our 100-year history. This new structure is designed to create a platform for continuous improvement, ensuring we can better meet the changing needs of our communities and keep people safe.”

Under the new model, An Garda Síochána is transitioning from 28 Divisions to 21 to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

The Laois Offaly Division now operates under four Functional Areas from Sunday, February 23. These areas are Community Engagement, Crime, Performance Assurance and Business Services. 

Each Functional Area is led by a Garda Superintendent, except Business Services, which is overseen by an Assistant Principal.

Districts and District Headquarters have been replaced by Community Engagement Functional Areas, ensuring Laois and Offaly each have a dedicated team focused on public safety and crime prevention.

The Divisional Headquarters is located in Grattan House, Portlaoise, under the leadership of Chief Superintendent Lonergan.

"The Functional Areas have centralised the support functions within the Division such as governance and administration. This means our frontline Garda Members are able to focus on their core duties and serving the people of Laois and Offaly,"  said Chief Superintendent Lonergan. 

“This transition strengthens our structure, improving performance assurance and proactive community engagement. An Garda Síochána is evolving to focus more on local policing needs, ensuring we continue to deliver on our mission of ‘Keeping People Safe’,” he said.