The State’s expert Garda reform agency says the restructuring announced by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris is a “significant step” towards better policing.

The Road Safety Authority is demanding an urgent meeting with the Garda Commissioner over what it calls a "disappointing demotion and devaluing" of road safety under changes to the Garda structure.

Drew Harris landed the commissioner's job on the basis that he would reform the organisation.

The gardaí announced restructuring plans today which detail improvements to its structures, processes, services and governance.

The president of the Garda Superintendents Association (GSA) Noel Cunningham said he awaits the full details of the proposed reforms, to see “the mechanics of how it will work.”

A network of 19 “mini police forces” is to be set up across the country under a massive restructuring of the Garda organisation.