The training role was previously undertaken at Garda Headquarters. When in February 1964 training moved to McCan Barracks, it became known as the Garda Training Centre, or locally as the depot. In 1992 the Garda College was designated an Institute of Higher Education by the National Council for Education Awards. More recently the BA in Applied Policing is awarded by the University of Limerick.
Courses offered
Two courses are available, both conferred by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council: Candidates with other qualifications, particularly technical, may be considered for specific positions where a technical skill set is a prerequisite. This is usually for computer, finance and fraud based branches and investigations. Various other specialist courses are available for serving force members.
Training programme
The training programme for Recruit Gardaí remained similar to that conducted in the Phoenix Park, which provided for 18 weeks training before being allocated to a Garda Station. After one year "on the job" each Recruit Garda returned to Templemore for a one-month "refresher course". The training was extended to 22 weeks in the late 1970s. The subjects studied were Police Duties, Irish, and Physical Studies, consisting of Physical Training, Drill, Swimming, and First Aid. Following a major examination of all training in the Garda Síochána a new two-year Student/Probationer Education/Training Programme was introduced for trainee Gardaí in April 1989. A major building programme saw the facilities developed and modernised to the most up to date standards in Europe and the name of the institution changed from the Garda Training Centre to the Garda College. In 1992 the Garda College was designated by the Minister for Education as an institution which the National Council for Educational Awards could accredit. The following year, the two-year Student/Probationer Education/Training Programme was accredited by the NCEA with the award of a National Diploma in Police Studies. A more recent initiative saw the development of a Bachelor of Arts degree for Garda Officers of Superintendent rank upwards.
College Facilities
Following a major building programme in 2001, the College has the capacity to accommodate 520 persons. The College has expanded its education facilities and included in the new development are three Lecture Theatres. The Garda College has its own nine hole golf course with a Clubhouse and leisure facility. It also has three tennis courts – designed and floodlit to meet international championship standards. In addition the sportsfield complex comprises full size Gaelic games, soccer and rugby pitches as well as a modern pavilion with Changing Rooms, First Aid room, Weights Room and facilities for officials. Campus facilities include a Social Club, Indoor Sports Hall with two Squash Courts and separate handball alley, a 25-metre swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium with accompanying leisure facilities. The Education Block is purpose built to provide for the education/training requirements of a modern police service. In addition to the technological facilities available, there is also a 'Scenes of Crime Room', a 'Mock' Garda Station, Courtroom, Language Laboratory, classroom facilities and a Library containing over 12,000 books.
Awards
Probationer Gardaí are recognised for effort and endeavour throughout the two-year programme and on graduation day the following medals are awarded:
Entry
The recruitment process is by means of a competition where the highest ranked applicants progress to the next stage. The first step is registration with the Public Appointments Service. When the recruitment campaign begins, the applicant is notified and requested to complete an online application form. The applicant will then be invited to book a time and date for the Stage I Aptitude Test. This test consists of three parts: a Skills/Experience Questionnaire, an Analytical Reasoning test and a Job Simulation Exercise. Successful applicants from Stage I will be asked to fill in an application form for Stage II. They will then be given a date and time for interview. The interview stage will consist of three parts: an Interview, a Report Writing Exercise and a Verbal Evaluation Test. Successful applicants will then be requested to fill in a form for their Background checks. Applicants if successful will be asked to participate in a Medical Examination and finally a PCT. Applicants who pass all stages and who are deemed to be acceptable by the Garda Commissioner, will be offered a position as a member of the Garda Síochána.
Access
The main artery to the town of Templemore is the N62National route. Travelling north on this route from Templemore connects to the main Dublin-Limerick motorway and Roscrea. Travelling south on the route connects to Thurles and then the main Dublin-Cork motorway. The N62 originates in Athlone. The college is accessible off N62 in Templemore at southern end of Templemore. To the east, the R433 connects Templemore to the M8 / N8 at a more northerly point via the villages of Clonmore & Errill and the town of Rathdowney in Co.Laois. Alternatively, the motorway may be accessed via the village of Templetuohy. To the west, the R501, tracking the Devil's Bit mountain range, goes to Borrisoleigh. Templemore railway station is on the Dublin-Cork railway line operated by Iarnród Éireann. There are direct trains to and from stations like Dublin Heuston railway station, Thurles Cork and Limerick daily. The college is approximately 2 km from Templemore railway station.
