Kildare Garda numbers are 'stagnant'

CONCERNS have been raised over "stagnant" garda recruitment levels across Kildare, as several towns record little to no growth in force numbers in recent years.

Labour TD Mark Wall made the comment following an analysis of garda numbers across the Kildare District covering towns in South Kildare. Figures for most of these towns show unchanged force numbers, while some are declining. Furthermore, since 2021 to August 2025, 37 members of An Garda Síochána in the Kildare/Carlow division have retired from the force.

Deputy Wall said: “Government representatives were out in force announcing a lowly six new gardaí for Newbridge and one for Kildare Town. This was just another government PR distraction from what is actually happening across our towns and villages. The reality is that garda numbers for the Kildare district have only increased by two between 2020 and 2025, from 145 to 147, which is wholly inadequate."

Figures show that Athy’s Garda Station is back to the number it was at in 2020, with 34 members covering a population of over 11,000, while Newbridge were only up one, compared to 2020. With the introduction of six new members, their number will be up to 63. 

In Kildare Town, numbers are down from 47 in 2020 to 44 currently, and 11 members down from its peak of 55 in 2022. 

“Kildare is one of the fastest growing counties in Ireland, and we must ensure that we have the required number of gardaí stationed in our towns and villages to keep communities safe but also to keep fellow gardaí safe. Government must reexamine the recruitment numbers in Kildare South and ensure that personnel stationed here are reflective of the growing population demands."