Portlaoise Garda Superintendent says farewell to the force

PORTLAOISE Garda Superintendent Declan Dunne has said farewell to the force, after a 35-year career that included a special posting to Washington DC.

He returned to Portlaoise last January to take up the top role, after two years in the US capital, having previously served as divisional Detective Inspector for Laois-Offaly and as an Inspector in Portlaoise.

The Athy native started out in Dublin’s busy Store Street station in 1990, before transferring to Bridewell in 1998 and serving as both Sergeant and later Detective Sergeant in Clondalkin.

In a warm tribute today, his colleagues described the outgoing superintendent as ‘a tenacious investigator and an astute frontline leader’ whose long career was ‘defined by integrity, diligence and leadership’.

On the divisional social media page, An Garda Síochána Laois-Offaly said: ‘As Superintendent Declan Dunne concludes a remarkable policing career this week, we reflect on his journey through the ranks with admiration, respect and gratitude.

‘Promoted to Inspector, he arrived in Portlaoise in 2013, where he demonstrated a calm authority and sound judgment under pressure. His appointment as Detective Inspector for Laois-Offaly in 2016 further showcased his sharp investigative capability and his ability to guide teams through complex and sensitive operations.

'In 2020, he was promoted to Superintendent, returning to Dublin at Terenure, before taking up a pivotal national role in the Special Detective Unit (SDU) as Detective Superintendent in 2022. His time in the SDU was characterised by trust, discretion and leadership at the highest operational level.

'In 2023, Declan was selected to represent An Garda Síochána abroad as Liaison and Protection Officer in Washington DC, reflecting both the esteem in which he is held and his ability to represent the organisation internationally with distinction.

'Upon returning in 2025, he resumed his post in Portlaoise as Superintendent, where he has continued to lead with clarity, empathy and a steadfast commitment to public service.'

Wishing him every success and happiness in retirement, the tribute added: 'Declan is known to many of us as a people-first leader, someone who could balance operational demands with humanity and purpose. Whether navigating serious crime investigations, managing community engagement or representing the organisation on the international stage, Declan’s presence has always brought confidence.

'As he embarks on the next chapter, we thank him sincerely for his service, mentorship and friendship. His legacy will be felt not only in the stations and districts he led, but in the careers he influenced and the lives he quietly impacted.'