There will also be an increase in incapacitant spray and dog units.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has revealed that 200 tasers will be issued to the Gardaí’s public order units along with a list of further measures to support the force following last week’s riots.
Currently only available to armed and emergency response units, tasers will be issued to officers subject to training.
Speaking to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice on Wednesday, November 29, Commissioner Harris said that the Gardaí will also seek to permanently possess two water cannons, which the force currently have on loan from the PSNI.
The list of new measures comes in the wake of the riots which shook the capital city last week, resulting in three buses, three Garda patrol cars and one Luas tram being set alight, while 13 properties were attacked and substantially damaged.
Gardaí to receive tasers as part of a list of new supports following riots
Further expansions from on the list include stronger incapacitant spray to all Gardaí (which is already provided to the public order units), as well as the provision of smaller round shields to public order units for increased mobility (long and medium shields are currently provided).
The deployment of body cameras as part of “a proof of concept” project in Dublin has also been pushed forward to the first quarter of next year, as opposed to the original 2025 date. Hand held video cameras are also to be provided.
The force will also accelerate the expansion of the Garda dog unit, which was provided by the latest budget.
Related articles:
- Popular American TV host mocked for bizarre theory on cause of Dublin riots
- Conor McGregor reportedly to be investigated by Gardaí over Dublin riots
- Gardaí investigating after another Dublin Bus set on fire in wake of riots
- “Absolutely overwhelmed” – Fundraiser for Dublin attack victims raises over €230,000
- Six-year-old girl injured in school stabbing attack in Dublin released from hospital
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
