Garda industrial action to disrupt EU Presidency summit in Dublin

Garda chief accused of ignoring officers' concerns over shift patterns

The planned dispute will run from November 10 to 14, overlapping with a series of events being held as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency. 

The European Political Convention is scheduled for November 12, while EU heads of state and government are due to meet informally the following day.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) confirmed the dates, with its president Niall Hodgins accusing senior management of failing to honour agreed arrangements governing officers’ working hours.

Hodgins singled out Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, claiming that concerns over shift patterns and working conditions had repeatedly been ignored. 

He also criticised Kelly’s predecessor, arguing that the rules imposed on ordinary members of the force were not being followed by those at the top.

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he described the breakdown in relations as “a very dark day in the history of industrial relations within An Garda Síochána”.

He added: “...these rules don't apply to them when it comes to shift patterns and working conditions.”

Officers required to report to usual stations under Garda work-to-rule

The dispute is expected to have an immediate impact on how Dublin-based officers are deployed. 

Under the proposed arrangements, members will be required to report to their usual station at the beginning of their shift, even when their duties are taking place elsewhere.

They will then have to wait for transport to take them to their assigned location, adding an extra step to the start of their working day.

The five-day action comes at a particularly sensitive time for the capital, with Dublin preparing to host senior political figures from across the European Union. 

The GRA's announcement means the industrial relations dispute will coincide directly with some of the most significant engagements taking place during Ireland's Presidency.