Gardaí unhappy with new uniform

Gardaí have demanded replacement uniforms after claiming their new gear is sub-standard and shabby, it emerged today.

The uniforms were issued less than 12 months ago but already gardaí are complaining about useless reflective jackets, ties, boots and belts.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) voted overwhelmingly at its conference in Killarney to pressure Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy to take action.

“To say that it’s a bit of a disappointment would be an understatement,” said Peadar Ryan of the Galway West garda division.

He added: “Ties that don’t tie, reflective jackets that don’t reflect and trousers that have more than their quota of balls.”

Iggy Larkin of the Donegal garda division said the new trousers got very shabby after a short period of use.

He said: “The Irish weather is inclement and the trousers don’t stand up to abuse. The fleece jacket can’t take any abuse and the fluorescent jacket is so weak, it’s practically a disposable jacket. We have got a uniform we should not be proud of at the moment.”

The new uniform, the first in more than a quarter of a century, was designed to meet the modern needs of Gardaí and was the subject of an extensive consultation process between Garda unions and management.

Donie Duignan of the Mayo garda division said the end result was supposed to be the uniform to end all uniforms.

He said Gardaí had been very annoyed by the sub-standard and poor quality uniform that had been delivered.

He added: “They are left wearing €2-style plastic belts and building site boots that were not the boots we road tested.”

Other gardaí spoke angrily of how the new boots had deteriorated in six months, compared to boots they had bought in army stores ten years earlier.

The AGSI asked if anyone at the conference was happy with the new uniform and the answer from the floor was a resounding ‘No’.

Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy did not refer to the complaints about the quality of the uniform but did tell delegates that more items would be issued to gardaí.

“The introduction of the new operational uniform to the organisation was a huge logistical challenge and was only ever considered to be an initial issue. A further issue has already been undertaken and this process will continue to ensure that all members have the required levels of uniform,” he said.