A 53-year-old career police officer takes the helm of An Garda Síochána as it battles to increase in numbers, improve morale, tackle violence and organise security for Ireland’s presidency of the EU in 2026.
Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly received the backing of the Cabinet on Tuesday to replace Commissioner Drew Harris on 1 September. The former PSNI chief was the first officer from another jurisdiction to head An Garda Síochána, joining in September 2018.
Mr Kelly, a father of two from Dublin with over 30 years’ service, has a five-year term, which can be extended for another two years, bringing him to the retirement age of 60.
The Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors welcomed his appointment but flagged serious issues facing the force.
The GRA cited the “recruitment and retention crisis” and serious concerns over training and the rights of members, not least under new discipline procedures.
The AGSI said “morale is low across the ranks” and said urgent action was needed to “stabilise the workforce and restore confidence” in the organisation.
Commissioner Harris highlighted his successor’s experience across “national security, cyber-crime, organised crime, and domestic and sexual violence”.
Mr Kelly, Deputy Commissioner Security, Strategy and Governance, was previously Assistant Commissioner Organised and Serious Crime, Detective Chief Superintendent of the Special Detective Unit and Det Supt of the National Protective Services Unit.
He joined in 1992 and served as a uniform inspector in Blanchardstown and Clondalkin, west Dublin.
He boasts three masters, two with first class honours.
He fought off stiff competition for the top job from Deputy Commissioner Operations Shawna Coxon.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said Mr Kelly was “fully committed to providing a high visibility, highly trusted policing service to the public”.
Policing and Community Safety Authority chair Elaine Byrne said they will work with Mr Kelly to build “a professional police service that enjoys the support and trust of the people”.