A long-serving Garda chief will be promoted to the role of Assistant Commissioner in An Garda Síochána.
Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson will take responsibility for the North Western Region from tomorrow, 11th February 2023.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the promotion will be of great benefit to the Garda Senior Leadership team and to the North West.
Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson replaces current Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn, who will transfer to the Garda National Crime & Security Intelligence Service (GNCSIS).
Commissioner Harris said: “Cliona has a wide and extensive breadth of policing experience and knowledge.
“Cliona’s leadership will also be invaluable as An Garda Síochána continues on our modernisation programme through the implementation of A Policing Service For Our Future.”
Clíona Richardson is currently a Detective Chief Superintendent and is head of the Liaison and Protection Section of the Garda Síochána. She also has responsibility for the network of Garda Liaison Officers internationally, the SIRENE BUREAU and the operation of the Schengen Information System (SIS II). She is currently the head of the EUROPOL National Unit in Ireland and head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau for Ireland.
Prior to her promotion to Detective Chief Superintendent, she was in charge of the Garda Síochána’s National Criminal Intelligence Unit (NCIU). She has had a range of operational roles, including in the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau and as District Officer in Ballinasloe.
She has served in the Garda Síochána for 30 years.
Other appointments and allocations in the region include the appointment of Superintendent Goretti Sheridan to the Letterkenny Garda District, while Superintendent Barry Doyle moved to the Buncrana Garda District.
