Urban vs Rural stations

RarePhilosophy

I was just wondering where is the best place to be stationed as a Garda?

Obviously recruits don’t always have a say and that’s fine, that’s what they sign up for. I was just thinking of the pros and cons to both (this is just my findings of what I found on this form and from other Guards , so I am open to correction).

Urban (Dublin ect.):

Pros - Better career options (more specialist units) , busy enough to not get boring , emergency backup (nearly) always nearby, lots of overtime at the moment.

Cons - May be too busy at times, very expensive to live there ( and no hope of buying a house).

Rural (Towns and surrounds ect.)

Pros - Cheaper to live on a Garda salary , more manageable workload than urban stations (assumption and open to correction).

Cons- Fewer career options , Emergency backup may be far away if things get hairy, may be slow paced on certain days.

I’m interested to hear anyone’s 2 cents on the matter. Obviously it may also boil down to personal choice if people prefer a city or a more rural setting as well.

Witcher

Well in most places outside the DMR you'll be doing a file for even minor incidents such as public order which wouldn't be needed in Dublin.

Similarly, outside the DMR detentions for everything have become the norm in most places outside the cities. If a person is arrested for shoplifting etc. they're arrested, detained, interviewed..you could be hours on it. In 99% of cases it would just be a straight charge and bail in the DMR.

On the flipside then you could be in the DMR and have nearly 100 incidents on your investigation screen as is the norm in some places and hardly remember half of them.

It's not really something you can choose, if you're from Dublin or any county touching it you can nearly bank on going there. You can opt to go there if you wish but you'll be sent regardless if it's needed, there were a good few from Cork etc. sent to the DMR from the latest intake.

RarePhilosophy

Dublin is around a 2-3 hour drive from me so it’s a disadvantage in that regard as well, I’d have to rent.

I’m assuming the norm is do 3-5years as a Guard in Dublin and then try and get a try and get a transfer closer to home? I know it’s also not guaranteed.

Would places outside the DMR be more sought after, or is it advantageous to go to the DMR, it terms of promotions and course opportunities for down the line?

I wouldn’t want to shoot myself in the foot ,in terms of career opportunities, by applying for a Town station straight away.

Richmond Ultra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120997299#Comment_120997299

5 years all going well for a transfer , depends on your case; house, family etc