Garda Commissioner Confident of EU Presidency Policing in Cork Despite GRA Stance

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly stated there will be sufficient gardaí to police EU Presidency events in Cork, despite the Garda Representative Association (GRA) informing members they can refuse to work.

Hundreds of gardaí are being deployed across Dublin and Cork for a major security operation for Ireland’s EU Council Presidency. Key events include an opening ceremony in Dublin tomorrow and a visit by the College of Commissioners, including Ursula von der Leyen, to Cork.

An Garda Síochána declared an extraordinary event to bring gardaí from other counties to Cork, as the local force is insufficient. These gardaí will be bussed in early Wednesday, work a full day, and then be bussed home. This often involves working on cancelled rest days, which the GRA opposes.

The GRA, which previously withdrew from deployment meetings over workplace conditions, issued a missive to members after an emergency meeting. They claim forcing gardaí to work on rest days breaches a Work Time Agreement and an undertaking by Garda management. The GRA stated members cannot be directed to work on a rest day without it being cancelled, unless they are willing, and will fully support any garda who refuses to work the Cork events. Commissioner Kelly acknowledged the issue as complicated but expressed confidence in its resolution and the safety of the events.