A new Garda helicopter and fixed wing surveillance plane will be delivered and deployed next year, with a second new helicopter to follow. However, the shortage of gardaí on the streets has necessitated an increase in the force’s overtime budget for 2026, which will be almost double what it was six years ago.
The investment in the three aircraft is part of a €390 million capital expenditure unveiled in the budget. This will be spread across the Justice portfolio, which includes the Irish Prison Service, Courts Service and An Garda Síochána, amo
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