Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
437. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has considered delegated powers for enforcement in environmental, public order and other offences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16069/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my number one priority since my appointment has been to increase the number of Gardaí on our streets. Visible policing is central to the prevention and detection of crime, to keeping people safe and ensuring that they feel safe. Significant progress is being now being made with 223 new recruits commencing training in the Garda Training College in Templemore in November last and a further 215 joining In February.
While the allocation of Gardaí is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, I am pleased to say that as of January 2026, 554 Garda members were assigned to the Meath/Westmeath Division, with 77 Garda staff (civilians) also assigned to the Division. 24 probationer Gardaí were assigned to the Division in 2025. As the overall strength of An Garda Síochána increases over the coming years, I expect that these numbers, all things being equal, will also increase.
Insofar as the issues you raise concern littering, these fall under the remit of my colleague Darragh O'Brien, the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment.
