The Daily Star Ireland
The Irish Government has officially named Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly as the next Garda Commissioner. He will assume the role following the retirement of Commissioner Drew Harris on 1 September 2025.
Kelly, a seasoned Garda officer with more than three decades of service, brings extensive operational and strategic experience to the post. His appointment signals a return to tradition after Harris became the first-ever commissioner appointed without having previously served in An Garda Síochána.
A Career Built on Security, Strategy, and Service
Deputy Commissioner Kelly joined An Garda Síochána over 30 years ago and has steadily risen through the ranks, holding various roles across Ireland’s law enforcement landscape. Since October 2024, he has served as Deputy Commissioner for Security, Strategy, and Governance.
His earlier position as Assistant Commissioner placed him at the helm of Serious and Organised Crime, where he oversaw national operations involving cybercrime, narcotics, economic crime, immigration enforcement, and crimes against vulnerable groups. Kelly’s operational experience also spans specialist units including the Operational Counter-Terrorism Unit, the Special Detective Unit, and the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.
In addition to operational leadership, Kelly’s academic background is substantial. He holds degrees from University College Dublin, Dublin City University (MBA), University of Limerick (MA in Serious Crime Investigation), and John Jay College in New York (MA in Criminal Justice). He has also completed the strategic command course at the UK College of Policing. In 2021, he was seconded to Bosnia and Herzegovina under the UN mandate to help strengthen local policing systems.
Outgoing Commissioner and GRA Weigh In
Commissioner Drew Harris praised Kelly’s appointment, citing his “extensive experience and expertise in leading a wide range of operational and organisational areas” as critical to his success in the new role. Harris acknowledged Kelly’s commitment to tackling serious crime and terrorism and wished him well in guiding An Garda Síochána into its next chapter.
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) also extended congratulations but voiced urgent concerns. General Secretary Ronan Slevin noted Kelly’s deep understanding of the day-to-day challenges Garda members face, adding that the association looked forward to engaging with the new commissioner.
However, Slevin warned that key systemic problems remain unresolved, especially regarding personnel numbers. “Over the past decade, we have faced a recruitment and retention issue that has been allowed to reach crisis levels,” he said, stressing the need for immediate action.
To that end, Slevin has formally requested a meeting with Kelly to discuss the pressing issues facing Garda members across the country.
Looking Ahead
As Commissioner-designate, Kelly steps into the top job at a critical time for Irish policing. Public confidence, staffing shortages, evolving crime patterns, and technological demands all loom large on the agenda. With his deep institutional knowledge and strategic background, observers hope Kelly’s leadership will bring both stability and much-needed reform to Ireland’s national police service.
