Of the 18 targets in the Annual Policing Plan, 10 were "on target", seven were "at risk" and one was "off target"

PCSA publishes Garda performance review for 2025

· RTE.ie

The Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) has published its 2025 Annual Assessment of Policing Performance.

The review provides an independent evaluation of An Garda Síochána's delivery of policing services and progress against the Garda Síochána Annual Policing Plan 2025 and the Policing Priorities for 2025.

The assessment found that there was progress in policing delivery during 2025, but highlighted challenges in workforce capacity and performance management.

Of the 18 targets in the Annual Policing Plan, 10 were "on target", seven were "at risk" and one was "off target", relating to community engagement.

Some positive findings included continued success in identifying, targeting and disrupting organised crime, supported by strong cooperation with Europol and international law enforcement partners.

The PCSA noted that high-visibility patrols in Dublin have increased public visibility and contributed to intelligence-led policing activity targeting local criminal groups.

The report also highlighted that a National Children and Young Person's Plan was not completed in 2025.

The PCSA, which was established in April 2025, found that burglaries have decreased significantly since the introduction of Operation Thor. Retail theft however, continues to increase, particularly in Dublin.

The mandatory domestic abuse call-back rate increased to 77% in 2025, although significant variations remain between garda divisions.

The review found that the findings of the Crowe Review of Roads Policing highlighted concerns regarding performance management, supervision and accountability within parts of the organisation

The PCSA says the assessment is based on detailed analysis of performance reports and data provided by An Garda Síochána, alongside extensive engagement with garda personnel and external stakeholders.

PCSA Chair Elaine Byrne said, "the report highlights significant achievements during 2025, particularly in tackling organised crime, supporting community safety partnerships and improving services for victims, it also identifies several areas requiring continued focus and improvement.

"Workforce capacity, specialist resourcing, performance management, and community engagement remain critical issues. Addressing these challenges will be essential to ensuring that An Garda Síochána can continue to meet the evolving policing and community safety needs of the public."