Number of Louth gardai increases by 39% since 2015
THERE has been a 39% increase in the number of gardai assigned to the Louth Garda division over the last five years, the Argus has learned.
Recent statistics released by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, indicated there were 399 gardai working in the Louth division, as of the end of May.
The issue was raised by Louth TD Ged Nash in the Dail last week, who asked for a breakdown of numbers across a number of division.
Minister Flanagan said: ‘I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 May 2020, there are now 14,700 Garda members nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. This figure includes the Garda trainees from two separate intake classes who attested earlier than scheduled in March 2020, which was an operational decision taken by the Garda Commissioner in order to augment An Garda Síochána’s capacity to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.’
‘In relation to Louth, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 May 2020 there are 399 Gardaí assigned to the Louth Division, representing an increase of 112 Gardaí in the Division since the end of 2015.’ A further station by station breakdown showed 184 gardai stationed in Dundalk district (including north Louth) with 156 in Drogheda district and a further 59 in Ardee (Mid-Louth) district.