Sinn Féin TD for Fingal, Louise O’Reilly, has criticised falling Garda numbers as evidence of yet another failed promise from Fine Gael.

New figures contained in the Garda Commissioner’s report to the Policing Authority reveal that there are now fewer sworn Garda than at the start of last year. The figures show a total Garda strength of 14,064 at the end of July 2024, following a net fall in numbers last year of 135.

Teachta O’Reilly said:

“Time and again, Fine Gael have promised to increase Garda numbers. These figures expose those promises as mere spin that Fine Gael never delivered on. Shockingly, the reality is that there are now significantly fewer Gardaí than there were at the start of last year.

“Combined with the fact that Dublin’s population is increasing, these figures are even more stark as the number of Gardaí per head of population is clearly inadequate.

“Communities deserve to feel safe and protected. However, communities in Dublin feel badly let down by a lack of Garda visibility and resources. In our city centre, violence and disorder are far too common and people lack confidence that Gardaí will be able to attend quickly when a crime is reported.

“I have been raising the issue of community safety in Dublin with government for years and demanding a substantial increase in Garda numbers in our capital city. In Sinn Féin’s document ‘Keeping Communities Safe’ we outlined our solutions; including how a new recruitment model would deliver more Gardaí quickly and ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs properly.

“Every day I meet with workers, businesses and residents who are proud to live and work in Dublin but know that change is needed to get to grips with public safety.

“Instead of listening to Sinn Féin’s solutions, government have overseen a decimation of Garda figures. Fine Gael have been responsible for the Justice Department for over 13 years and in this time they have utterly failed our Gardaí and communities in Dublin. This has included Simon Harris whose stint as Justice Minister saw him deliver his characteristic bluster and promises on Garda numbers that we now know actually resulted in even fewer officers.

“Fine Gael’s spin has been caught out. There can be no denying these figures in the report to the Policing Authority which are there in black and white for all to see.

“A Sinn Féin government would stand up for communities. We would ensure there are enough Gardaí on our streets and in our communities, so people can have confidence that they and their families are safe. We have the plan and the solutions to deliver the reforms that are needed to ensure Dublin can be a safe, welcoming and thriving city for all.”