C&AG report criticises Garda charging policies for policing non-public duty events

The report also noted concerns about the fees being charged for events in comparison with the estimated actual cost of policing services, with An Garda Síochána charging €207,180 for policing at the Harry Styles concert in Slane in June 2023. Picture: Gardaí

Garda charging policies for policing non-public duty events, including concerts and matches, are not robust enough, with a decision made in one case to waive fees as the event was deemed to be a charity event.

However, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) report said there was an entry fee for participants in the event, with the income being retained by the organising body, which was not a registered charity.