NINETEEN newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to Limerick to offer operational and public supports during the evolving coronavirus pandemic.
In total 319 recruits were attested at a ceremony at the Garda Training College, Templemore, as part of national emergency measures.
The Gardaí described it as “a historic day for An Garda Síochána and sees the organisation reach its highest numbers of sworn members since the foundation of the State”.
“There are 19 newly attested Gardaí allocated to the Limerick Division,” a spokesperson added.
The force now boasts 14,758 members – the largest number of sworn Gardaí in the history of the State.
The newly attested Gardaí will maximise operational availability and support other vital public services in responding to the evolving COVID-19 situation, gardai said.
Other measures implemented within the force include, amendments to rosters; restricted annual leave; delaying retirements where possible; hiring an additional 210 community support vehicles; and the redeployment of personnel including 124 personnel from the Garda Training College, who have been redeployed across all regions.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has designated the ongoing situation as an “exceptional event”.
There has been no change to the role of Special Tactics & Operations Command (STOC), Special Crime Operations and Detective / Drugs Units nationwide.
Whilst contingency planning is in place, these units continue to support the community and Garda colleagues with a range of specialist services.
Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey has established the Garda National Co-Ordination Unit, headed by a Chief Superintendent, to ensure a co-ordinated approach when dealing with organisational issues around the COVID-19 virus.
The newly attested Gardaí will be assigned to the Regions as follows:
· Dublin Region – 65 new Gardaí assigned
· Eastern Region – 94 new Gardaí assigned
· Southern Region – 80 new Gardaí assigned
· North Western Region – 80 new Gardaí assigned
