Gardaí have announced the deployment of four new members of An Garda Síochána to a Laois Garda station. 

This news comes following the attestation of 154 new Gardaí in Templemore Garda College on Friday August 22. Four new members of the force will be deployed to Portlaoise Garda station.  

Of the Gardaí attested on Friday, 79% were male (122) and 21% were female (32). 

There were 26 Gardaí born outside of Ireland, including; Australia, Belarus, Brazil, England, Germany, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, United States. 

Four probationer Gardaí were former Reserve Gardaí. 

Fianna Fáil TD for Laois, Sean Fleming has welcomed this news, highlighting that it is ‘strengthening visible policing across the county’. 

“The deployment of additional Gardaí is welcome. We are fortunate that every community wants to see more Gardaí visible in their area. It is one of the most effective measures we have for preventing crime and making people feel safer,” Deputy Fleming commented. 

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The new Gardaí are among 154 recruits who graduated from the Garda College in Templemore on Friday. This intake represents the largest allocation of probationer Gardaí to regions outside Dublin in the past year and reflects the government’s ongoing investment in building stronger, safer communities. 

These 154 newly sworn Gardaí will now take on operational responsibilities and will be allocated as follows: Dublin Region- 45; Eastern Region- 22; Southern Region- 66; Northwestern Region- 21. 

Deputy Fleming said the arrival of additional Garda members underlines Fianna Fáil’s commitment to increasing Garda presence on the ground in Laois.  

“This latest allocation shows that investment in Garda recruitment is making a real difference on the ground. Local stations are being reinforced so they can continue to serve and protect communities effectively. 

“Strengthening An Garda Síochána is a key priority for Fianna Fáil in Government, backed by a record €2.48 billion in funding in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020,” he said. 

“A more visible Gardaí on the ground is one of the most effective ways to deter crime and enhance public safety. This latest deployment is a clear signal that Government is delivering on its promise to support communities with the resources they need to feel secure,” the Fianna Fáil Deputy concluded. 

A further 201 Garda recruits will begin training in Templemore this week, while another graduation is scheduled for November, ensuring a steady pipeline of new members entering the organisation. 

Speaking at today’s attestation, Commissioner Drew Harris welcomed the new Garda probationers. 

"Today is indeed a day to celebrate, but it is also a day for reflection. It is a time to reflect on what it has taken to get to this juncture in your lives. To decide how you will make the most of this important opportunity. To consider what kind of Garda you are going to be,” the Commissioner said. 

"You are here today because of a commitment to serve your country. You are here because of a desire to help people. You are here because you want better for your communities. You are here because it is a job worth doing. But no matter what it is that has brought you here today, the most important thing to remember is: Because you are here - You will keep the people of Ireland safe.” 

Currently there are 14,408 Sworn Gardaí on the force, with 3,672 Garda Staff and 296 Garda Reserves. 

A further 369 Garda recruits (intakes 251, 252) are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College. 

The next intake of Garda recruits (intake 253), more than 200 Garda Trainees, is scheduled to enter the Garda College on Monday August 25, 2025. 

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