Justin Kelly named as Garda Commissioner
The Government has appointed Justin Kelly as the new Garda Commissioner, for a five-year term beginning on 1 September.
Kelly is currently serving as deputy commissioner responsible for security, strategy, and governance at An Garda Síochána.
His appointment follows an open competition conducted by Publicjobs (formerly the Public Appointments Service).
‘Extensive’ experience
“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 Síochána – including national security, domestic and sexual violence, and organised crime,” said Jim O’Callaghan (Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration).
Kelly will succeed Drew Harris, who will continue to lead the force until 1 September, when he will retire after seven years as commissioner.
Minister O’Callaghan said that Harris had led the gardaí with “dedication, skill, and integrity”.
30 years’ experience
Kelly, a UCD law graduate, has more than 30 years’ policing experience, having been appointed to his current role as deputy commissioner in October 2024.
In his previous role, as assistant commissioner for serious and organised crime, he was responsible for leading the national policing response in areas of drugs and organised crime, cybercrime, economic crime, immigration, and crimes against vulnerable persons.
In 2001, he was seconded to work for the United Nations in Bosnia Herzegovina, where he worked monitoring and building the capacity of local law enforcement.