Garda Headquarters said while Garda members “can generally retire after 30 years’ service to the State the majority continue providing that valuable service until compulsory retirement age”. The mandatory retirement age for those of garda, sergeant and inspector rank was previously 57 years, though that was increased to 60 years in 2004. It was extended again 18 months ago to 62 years, for all Garda members, under the An Garda Síochána Retirement Regulations 2024. New data from the Department of Justice reveals 112 Garda members have opted to remain in the force beyond the age of 60 years, since the mandatory retirement age was increased to 62 years in September 2024. “Long serving gardaí have a lot of experience and if they want to continue, we should keep them in the force.

Source: The Irish Times March 07, 2026 19:01 UTC