Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly will become Ireland’s new Garda Commissioner on September 1st, succeeding Drew Harris who retires after seven years leading the force, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan announced.
Kelly, currently serving as Deputy Commissioner since October 2024, has been appointed for a five-year term following what O’Callaghan described as a “suitably rigorous” selection process involving 14 candidates, two interviews, and a presentation.
The Dublin native brings over 30 years of policing experience, with extensive leadership roles tackling Ireland’s most challenging security issues. His background includes combating organized crime groups, safeguarding state security, and leading responses to domestic violence, sexual violence, and cybercrime.
From 2020 to 2022, Kelly served as detective chief superintendent heading the Garda’s operational counter-terrorism unit, the Special Detective Unit. In his previous assistant commissioner role, he oversaw national policing responses to drugs, organized crime, economic crime, immigration, and crimes against vulnerable persons.
Kelly’s international experience includes a 2001 secondment to work with the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he monitored and built local law enforcement capacity. His career progression also included frontline inspector roles in Dublin’s Blanchardstown and Clondalkin areas.
O’Callaghan praised Kelly’s qualifications and commitment to providing “high-visibility, highly trusted policing service.” Harris will continue leading the force until September, concluding 41 years of policing service across Ireland.