Concerns raised over Garda numbers and visibility in Donegal

Concerns over declining Garda numbers and reduced visibility across County Donegal and, in particular, Inishowen have prompted a call for urgent government action from Labour Councillor Martin Farren.

The North Inishowen councillor has warned that communities are being left increasingly vulnerable as policing resources struggle to keep pace with a growing population and more complex demands. He said residents are already noticing the impact on the ground, with fewer Gardaí visible and longer response times becoming a concern.

“People in Inishowen can see the reality on the ground. Garda visibility has dropped, and response times are under pressure. This is not acceptable,” Cllr. Farren said. 

The Moville Councillor also criticised the government, stating that both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have failed to adequately resource An Garda Síochána, leaving rural communities particularly exposed across the peninsula. 

Figures highlighted by the councillor show that Garda numbers have slightly declined across the country in recent years, with 14,235 members recorded in 2020 compared to 14,187 at the end of January 2026. Over the same period, Ireland’s population has continued to rise, effectively reducing the number of Gardaí available per person.

Cllr. Farren also pointed to a sharp drop in community policing resources. The number of Community Gardaí fell from 700 in 2025 to 615, while Garda Reserve membership has declined dramatically from 1,164 in 2013 to just 308 earlier this year.

He stressed that community Gardaí play a crucial role in preventing crime, supporting vulnerable individuals, and building trust between the public and law enforcement. “People want to see Gardaí on the streets, in schools and in their communities, not tied up in administrative backlogs or pulled away due to shortages.”

The councillor also raised concerns about morale within the force, suggesting that many Gardaí feel overworked and undervalued. He warned that this could have long-term consequences for recruitment and retention if not addressed. “If we cannot attract and keep Gardaí, communities in Inishowen will continue to lose out,” Councillor Farren added. 

“There are also serious concerns about how internal investigations have been handled and the impact this has had on Garda members. That must be addressed through a full and transparent inquiry. Gardaí deserve fairness and due process, and the public deserves confidence in how the force operates.”

In response, the Labour Party is bringing a motion before the Dáil calling for a fully funded plan to increase Garda numbers, improve working conditions, and restore community policing nationwide.

Cllr. Farren concluded by urging government parties to support the proposal, saying communities like Inishowen deserve “a modern, properly resourced police service that is rooted in the community and capable of keeping people safe.”

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Meanwhile, Garda numbers across Donegal have risen slightly this year, with figures showing a total of 432 members of An Garda Síochána now serving in the county, up from 424 in January 2025.

The increase of eight personnel marks a modest improvement in overall resources, with the current county-wide total made up of one Chief Superintendent, four Superintendents, 13 Inspectors, 59 Sergeants, and 355 Gardaí. Donegal is also supported by five Garda Reserve members.

Within that county total, the Inishowen peninsula accounts for 85 Garda members, based on the most recent Garda Station breakdown from January 2025. While an updated local figure for 2026 has not yet been published, the Inishowen total has remained relatively stable in recent years following a period of decline earlier in the decade.