Minister and TD for Clare, Timmy Dooley, has today welcomed that 15 new Gardaí will be deployed directly from Templemore to the Shannon district from 1 September 2025.
Minister Dooley said: “This is a very welcome development for the community in Shannon and indeed for the wider communities across Clare, many of whom have had to pool Garda resources in recent times. The direct deployment of 15 new Gardaí will strengthen local policing capacity and improve visible Garda presence in the area.
It’s also good news in terms of security at Shannon Airport, where there has been a number security-related issues at the airport. This additional allocation will ensure those challenges can now be managed more effectively.”
Minister Dooley added “Since my appointment as a Minister, I have consistently prioritised the need for greater Garda resources across Clare, and I’m delighted to see that commitment now being realised. This announcement is a clear and tangible step forward for community safety in our region.”
The new Gardaí will join local units from September, following their graduation from the Garda College in Templemore, and will play an important role in enhancing policing and security across the region.
Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has also welcomed the news: “This is very welcome news and the increased Garda numbers are something I have long being calling for; both in Clare but especially in the Shannon area. I have raised the issue of Shannon Garda staffing regularly in the Dáil and have called for it to be viewed differently to other stations as they are also tied into policing operations in Shannon Airport. The airport is a national asset and when existing Gardai are involved in policing operations at the airport, it has left the surrounding areas without an adequate policing presence.
“This has not been the fault of our hardworking Gardai but rather an unfortunate result of not having what I would view as an adequate staffing level at the station. Shannon is the second biggest town in Clare and its catchment area also includes Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus. Between policing a big geographical area, three of the biggest urban centres in Clare, an international airport and a very busy roads network, the Gardai stationed at Shannon had a big task to face and I’m glad that my calls for the staffing levels to be addressed has been realised.
“The area which Shannon polices has been the victim of quite high-profile crime and anti-social behaviour lately and I recently held a productive meeting with senior Gardai and local interest groups in the area where the local concerns were outlined. The Gardai have been doing the best that they can but have been overstretched recently, which again is not the fault of members.