No Garda probationers for Sligo–Leitrim sparks calls for commissioner visit

Concerns have been raised about the lack of Garda probationer allocations in the Sligo–Leitrim Garda Division.

On November 14, 194 Gardaí and 17 Garda Reserves were attested as sworn members of An Garda Síochána. Of the 194 newly sworn Gardaí, 87 are being allocated to the Dublin Region, 39 to the Eastern Region, 47 to the Southern Region, and just 21 to the North West, with none being assigned to the Sligo–Leitrim Garda Division.

The lack of Garda probationer allocations to the Sligo–Leitrim Division has been criticised by Sligo councillor Marie Casserly, who has invited Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly to visit Sligo Garda Station to see current working conditions and address the ongoing shortage.

Cllr Casserly wrote: “I am writing to you not only in my official capacity as a public representative but also as someone who works closely with the communities of Sligo and Leitrim and sees, daily, both the dedication of our Garda members and the pressures they are under. It is in that spirit that I would like to invite you to visit Sligo Garda Station at your earliest convenience.

“A visit would offer you the opportunity to see firsthand the conditions in which our Gardaí are operating and will, I believe, underline the urgency of progressing the long-awaited development of a new Garda Station for Sligo.”

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The letter continued: “I also wish to raise with you my growing concern regarding the continued lack of allocation of Garda probationers to the Sligo–Leitrim Division. This issue has been repeatedly highlighted to me by local Garda members, by community groups, and by residents who rely on visible, responsive policing.

“The sustained shortfall in probationer allocations is now affecting morale, operational capacity, and the ability to deliver the standard of community policing people rightly expect.”

Cllr Casserly highlighted three specific requests: “A detailed breakdown of the number of Garda probationers assigned to the Sligo–Leitrim Division in each of the past three years.

“An explanation of the rationale behind the consistently low or disproportionate allocation of probationers to this Division compared with other divisions of similar size, demand, and risk profile.

“A commitment to increasing future allocations of probationer Gardaí to Sligo and Leitrim as part of upcoming intake cycles, to help restore adequate staffing levels and strengthen community policing across both counties.”

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She concluded by noting that the matters are raised in a “constructive and cooperative spirit,” acknowledging the pressures faced by the organisation: “My intention is simply to ensure that the Sligo–Leitrim Division receives a fair and sustainable level of resources so that Garda members can continue to serve our communities safely and effectively.”