Gardai are being left with no choice but to do paperwork on their days off because of increased demands and falling numbers in the force.
The Garda Representative Association says frontline members based in both urban and rural areas are suffering from low morale.
And that is being reflected in figures which reveal of 404 gardai who left the force in 2021, over 90 resigned their posts.
Numbers from this year show that of 120 who have left, 25 have opted for resignation also.
The GRA, which represents up to 13,000 rank and file gardai, does not believe the recent recruitment drive by HQ makes up the numbers.
Brendan O'Connor, the GRA's Vice President, told the Irish Mirror: "Members are telling us falling numbers are being felt across the organisation, particularly frontline regular units that respond to incidents.
"Fewer guards in rural areas are covering more calls over larger areas.
"While guards in busy urban centres are struggling with increased workloads.
"It is impacting on visibility for the public while morale and member welfare are suffering."
O'Connor, based in Donegal, added: "We are hearing of guards having to complete files at home on rest days as it is simply too busy during shifts to do paperwork.
"Rural stations are increasingly being left without personnel meaning they are closed in all but name."
After 30 years service, or having reached 60 years of age, gardai can retire.
But others are calling time on their careers before that stage.
O'Connor said: "The situation is a vicious circle as those left behind become more disillusioned and burned out and start to contemplate whether they should also retire or resign from the organisation."
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