Irish Defence Forces Warned They Will Miss Recruitment Targets by Years Amid Security Challenges

Ireland’s Defence Forces are facing a deepening recruitment and retention crisis, with official projections now showing that key staffing targets will be missed by several years. Despite increased applications and new training infrastructure, chronic issues around pay, conditions and career progression continue to drive trained personnel out of the military. As international security pressures mount, critics warn that the State’s failure to meet its own defence commitments leaves Ireland increasingly exposed.

Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; January 20, 2026