None of latest Garda graduates to be stationed in Athlone

The latest group of 193 graduates from Templemore were sworn in as Gardai at the beginning of this month - but none will be stationed in Athlone.

There were two locals from the Athlone area among the newly-attested Gardai. These were Garda James Finlass, who is to be stationed at Ballymun, and Garda Edel Flynn, who is being stationed in Leixlip.

Two of the new graduates will be based in Westmeath, as Garda Conor Casey and Garda Mark Egan were each given a posting in Mullingar.

The 193 new Gardai, whose graduation ceremony was attended by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan on Friday, May 1, consist of 134 men and 59 women, five of whom were born outside the State.

The vast majority of the new graduates (141) are to be stationed in the Dublin region, with 27 stationed elsewhere in the East of the country, 14 stationed in the Southern region, and 11 taking up posts in the North Western region.

An Garda Siochana said that, as of May 1, some 423 Garda recruits, in two intakes, were undergoing training at the Garda College, while a third intake of 209 trainees commenced training on Monday, May 4.

Westmeath Minister of State Robert Troy welcomed the allocation of two additional Gardai to the station in Mullingar.

"They will strengthen the existing Garda presence in our community and give local Gardaí the resources they need to respond quickly and effectively," said Minister of State Troy.

He added: "The work of Gardaí in Westmeath is vital to keeping people safe, and these new allocation figures will help ensure they are properly supported.

"Continued investment in Garda resources and personnel is essential so that they can meet the operational demands placed on them and deliver effective policing on the ground."