Gardaí introduced one of their two new water cannon trucks at Garda HQ, in addition to some new body armour for public order policing duties, at the launch in June of the six-year report on advances made by An Garda Síochána to modernise the force since it first started implementing the new plan in 2018.
One of two new water cannon truck on display at Garda HQ – each truck has the capacity to carry 5,200 litres of water. (Pic: David Mac Redmond, Journal.ie)
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris had first signed off on the purchase of the two water cannon trucks in September 2024 as part of the recent expansion of Garda fleet of vehicles. The water cannon were first delivered in January 2025, and one was on display at Garda HQ on 9 June during the launch of the ‘Transforming An Garda Síochána 2018-2024’ report.
According to the report, a wide range of significant changes have been rolled out; over 15,000 mobility devices have been issued to Gardaí, while 700 body worn cameras are also being piloted.
Significant investments have been made over the last two years in the procurement of additional personal protective equipment for Gardaí, including incapacitant spray with greater potency and upgrades to body armour and defensive equipment available for Public Order Units.
The Garda fleet at 3,672 vehicles – including the two water cannons, ASU vehicles, Public Order and Community Engagement vans – is the largest it has ever been, and the report also notes that public trust in the force stands at 89%.
It was compiled to provide an organisational account of the implementation of the ‘A Policing Service for Our Future’ programme in An Garda Síochána, a key recommendation of which was the delivery of the Garda operating model.
The operating model has been rolled out to all 21 Garda Divisions and represents the biggest structural change to the organisation. It has established four functional areas within each division, community engagement, performance assurance, crime and business services functions.
Garda Headquarters claims the operating model serves to enhance the service it provides to the public, particularly the most vulnerable in society. The report has noted: “The acute risks of physical harm and psychological trauma that members of An Garda Síochána face in carrying out their duties remains a core concern for the organisation”. The continuous need to protect, support and care for our personnel has been the basis for an extensive, cross-service investments in recent years.”
A garda models the new body armour and shield as he demonstrates how to use a new incapacitant spray (Pic: David Mac Redmond, Journal.ie)
Since the Dublin riots of November 2023, Gardaí said that significant investments have been made in personal protective equipment (PPE) for members of the Force. Those include new incapacitant spray and upgrades to body armour and defensive equipment now available for public order units.
“This includes new shields, helmets, torso protectors and limb guards designed to protect gardaí involved in the policing of riots and significant public order incidents from blunt impacts, stabbing implements, flames and accelerants,” the report said.
