Donegal Garda numbers still below peak despite 2026 increase

As of February 28th 2026, figures show a modest increase in Garda personnel across County Donegal, alongside significant structural changes in how policing is organised locally.

According to the latest data, there are currently 432 Garda personnel serving in the county. This marks a small rise from 424 members recorded in January 2025, suggesting a gradual recovery in numbers after several years of fluctuation. The current breakdown includes one Chief Superintendent, four Superintendents, 13 Inspectors, 59 Sergeants, and 355 Gardaí. In addition, Donegal is supported by five Garda Reserve members.

Despite the recent increase, staffing levels remain below historical highs. Garda numbers in Donegal peaked at 468 in 2009, before declining steadily over the following decade. Numbers fell as low as 374 in 2022, before beginning a gradual recovery in more recent years.

Under the previous policing structure, Donegal was divided into four Garda districts: Ballyshannon, Letterkenny, Buncrana, and Milford. Ballyshannon District had a total of 69 Garda members, supported by 15 Sergeants, two Inspectors, and one Superintendent. Key stations included Ballyshannon, Donegal Town, and Bundoran, while smaller stations such as Mountcharles and Pettigo operated with minimal staffing.

Letterkenny District, the largest in the county, recorded 149 Garda members, along with 27 Sergeants, six Inspectors, and one Chief Superintendent. Letterkenny station accounted for the majority of personnel, reflecting its role as the county’s main urban centre.

Buncrana District had 85 Garda members, nine Sergeants, one Inspector, and one Superintendent, with Buncrana station making up a 68% portion of staffing across Inishowen.

Milford District reported 58 Garda members, supported by nine Sergeants, one Inspector, and one Superintendent. Milford station was the largest base in the district, while a number of smaller rural stations operated with very limited numbers. 

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The figures come as Donegal adapts to a major reorganisation within An Garda Síochána. Since April last year, the county has moved away from the traditional four-district structure and is now divided into two broader functional areas: Donegal North and Donegal South.

Each area operates under a modernised policing framework consisting of community engagement, crime, performance assurance, and business services. These are led by Superintendents or acting Superintendents, with business services overseen at the administrative level.