Cabinet considers new locations for Garda training says Cork TD

The Government is considering moving some training from the Garda College in Templemore, Tipperary, to allow more recruits to be trained, a Cork TD has been told.

The suggestion was contained in a response received by Cork Fianna Fáil TD Seamus McGrath who raised the issue of Garda resources for Cork in the Dáil recently.

Mr McGrath told Tánaiste Simon Harris: “I know the Tánaiste values the importance of frontline policing. It is very welcome that An Garda Síochána conducted two recruitment campaigns this year and that the budget for 2026 set aside funding for the recruitment of 1,000 gardaí.

“Cork City has been under-resourced for many years, due to disproportionately low allocations. Our Garda units serving on the ground are stretched beyond what they can achieve in terms of work. Our Garda stations are inaccessible — they are simply not open.”

He then asked would the Tánaiste convey the message back that there will be another class emerging from Templemore in November and Cork needs a fair and proportionate allocation of those gardaí.

Mr Harris said he “certainly” would talk to the minister for justice Jim O’Callaghan, who will engage with the Garda commissioner, who decides the allocation of gardaí across the country, on the matter.

The Tánaiste then added: “I was at a cabinet committee discussion on justice and Garda recruitment issues this week. There are some encouraging signs. The programme for government commits to further increase the capacity of Garda training infrastructure.

“The minister has started work on that and potentially moving training projects from Templemore to create more space for new recruits, which should help get an even larger pipeline of gardaí through Templemore.

"There is increased interest in becoming a garda, which is important. I take the point around Cork City and will feed it back to the minister.”