Justin Kelly appointed new Garda commissioner

Justin Kelly has been announced as the next Garda commissioner.

Mr Kelly will begin a five-year term from September 1, replacing Drew Harris who is to retire after seven years as commissioner.

Mr Kelly is currently a deputy Garda commissioner and previously served as an assistant commissioner who had responsibility for tackling serious and organised crime.

Mr Harris is to retire after 41 years of service to policing across the island of Ireland.

He congratulated Mr Kelly on his appointment and described his “dedicated and highly professional service” in his more than 30 years in An Garda Siochana.

“During this time, he has held many significant portfolios, preventing and tackling crime and terrorism,” Mr Harris said.

“This has included senior roles in the areas of national security, cybercrime, organised crime and domestic and sexual violence.

“Justin is an internationally recognised police leader who has built coalitions with other law enforcement agencies and partners that have disrupted and dismantled trans-national organised crime gangs.

“As Deputy Commissioner, Security, Strategy and Governance, Justin has also played a major role in delivering the Operating Model that has delivered benefits for front-line Gardai, Garda staff, and most importantly, the public.

“Justin’s extensive experience and expertise in leading a wide range of operational and organisational areas will be of immeasurable benefit to him as Commissioner.

“I look forward to working with Justin in the weeks leading up to him becoming Garda Commissioner in September 2025.

“Personally, I want to wish him and his family all the best in his leading this great organisation and continuing its mission of keeping people safe.”

The selection process identified 14 candidates and included two interviews and a presentation, afterwhich Mr Kelly was selected as the preferred candidate.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Mr Harris marked the announcement with a photocall at Government Buildings on Tuesday but did not take questions.

In a statement, Mr Martin said: “The role of the Garda Commissioner is hugely important and challenging.

“Justin is highly qualified, with a proven track record in leadership roles in the force and extensive experience in many areas of policing, including national security, organised crime, and domestic and sexual violence.”

He also paid tribute to Mr Harris for leading An Garda Siochana “with great distinction through a period of significant reform in the organisation”.

“I wish him the best of luck for the future.”

In a statement, Mr O’Callaghan said: “The role of Garda commissioner is one of the most challenging and impactful leadership positions in Ireland’s public service and the appointment process was suitably rigorous.

“I am satisfied that Justin Kelly is both qualified and particularly well suited to the role of commissioner, given his extensive leadership experience over the last 30 years in some of the most challenging issues facing An Garda Siochana, including national security, domestic and sexual violence, and organised crime.

“I know Justin is fully committed to providing a high-visibility, highly trusted policing service to the public.”