The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has set aside calls for immediate industrial action ahead of an upcoming visit to Ireland by US President Donald Trump, following two days of internal executive discussions.
The organisation, which represents approximately 11,740 rank-and-file gardaí, reached the decision after its Central Executive Committee held meetings to address mounting frustration among members over working conditions, cancelled rest days, and mandatory overtime linked to state visits and Ireland's hosting of European Union Presidency events.
Garda Headquarters designated the period surrounding President Trump's arrival on September 12 as an "extraordinary event". Under this designation, leave and rest breaks for frontline officers are restricted or cancelled, and extended shift patterns are implemented to maintain security logistics in Dublin and County Clare, where the US leader is scheduled to visit his golf resort in Doonbeg during the Irish Open.
Disputes have also arisen regarding travel and subsistence allowances, as well as logistical burdens placed on Dublin Metropolitan Region officers who are required to arrange their own accommodation when deployed to western divisions. Concerns were formally raised by the GRA's Dublin regional committee, which highlighted significant disaffection among urban officers bearing a disproportionate share of security duties.
While immediate disruptions ahead of the presidential visit have been averted, GRA national representatives are currently consulting divisional delegates across the country to gather feedback. The association has also sought legal advice regarding potential future options. The governing body is expected to reconvene to decide on a unified national position and identify specific future events that could be targeted for industrial action.
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