Cliona Richardson appointed new Assistant Garda Commissioner for north west

Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson will take responsibility for the North Western Region from Saturday, February 11. 

Clíona Richardson is currently a Detective Chief Superintendent and is head of the Liaison and Protection Section of the Garda Síochána. She also has responsibility for the network of Garda Liaison Officers internationally, the SIRENE BUREAU and the operation of the Schengen Information System (SIS II). She is currently the head of the EUROPOL National Unit in Ireland and head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau for Ireland.

Prior to her promotion to Detective Chief Superintendent, she was in charge of the Garda Síochána’s National Criminal Intelligence Unit (NCIU). She has had a range of operational roles, including in the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau and as District Officer in Ballinasloe.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris welcomed the promotion, he said: "Cliona has a wide and extensive breadth of policing experience and knowledge. This will be of great benefit to the Garda Senior Leadership team and to the North West region. Cliona’s leadership will also be invaluable as An Garda Síochána continues on our modernisation programme through the implementation of  A Policing Service For Our Future."

Ms Richardson has been a valued member to the force for 30 years.