Police Detective Inspector Brian Downey, speaking at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) conference in Westport, shed light on the dire housing situation young gardaí face in Dublin.
Downey highlighted that skyrocketing rental prices have led some officers to endure long commutes or even sleep in their cars after exhausting 12-hour shifts.
The financial strain is palpable, with newly qualified gardaí earning just €305 per week during training and €36,000 annually upon completion.
However, the average rent in Dublin stands at a staggering €2,344, per the latest Daft Report.
Downey shared the heart-wrenching story of a young female garda who resigned after a year of couch-surfing due to the inability to secure permanent accommodation in Dublin.
He emphasised that the housing crisis isn’t exclusive to recruits, as newly promoted sergeants and inspectors struggle to find suitable lodging, especially when relocated to different stations.
Calling for urgent action, Downey appealed to the Minister for Justice to allocate capital funding for building or acquiring accommodation specifically tailored for newly qualified and promoted gardaí.
He stressed that this initiative aims not to provide housing for families but to offer a temporary solution to kick-start their careers.
The housing shortage exacerbates officers’ challenges, particularly in Dublin, where rental options are scarce and unaffordable.
Downey recounted the plight of a diligent recruit who, despite less than a year of service, had to resort to couch-surfing in Dublin, eventually succumbing to resignation due to the lack of stable housing.
Furthermore, Downey highlighted the daily struggles of officers forced to commute long distances to work, with some travelling from Monaghan or Mullingar.
These long commutes pose severe health and safety risks, especially after gruelling shifts and detainment duties, often leading to officers sleeping in their cars to cope with exhaustion.
While acknowledging various reasons for resignations within the force, Downey emphasised the undeniable impact of the housing crisis.
The AGSI has long advocated for urban area allowances to assist with rental expenses, but the current reality reflects a severe shortage of suitable accommodations for public servants.
Downey urged swift action from policymakers to address the housing crisis faced by gardaí, emphasising the urgent need for short-term, affordable housing solutions to attract and retain talent within the force.
