TheGarda Public Order Unit – commonly known as theGarda Riot Squad – is a unit of theGarda Síochána,Ireland's police force, that deals withpublic disorder, includingriots andprotests.[1][2]
All gardaí assigned to Public Order Units are standard uniformed members assigned to normal policing duties with specialist Public Order training.[3][4][5] The unit is trained to useriot control tactics to control, disperse, and arrest civilians that are involved in a riot, demonstration, or protest.[6][7]
As with ordinary uniformed members of theGarda Síochána, the Public Order Unit do not routinely carry firearms, relying instead on conventional,non-lethal weapons such aspepper spray andbatons. Members of the unit typically wearbody armour,riot helmets, and carryriot shields. Full-lengthriot shields are also used during potentially violent confrontations where there is large hostile crowds, or the risk of thrown or flammable projectiles.[8]
In 2016 it was reported that riot gear orders had included contracts for 26-inch batons, riot gloves and boots, and protective flame-retardant clothing.[9] If a situation escalates whereby an armed response is required, theGarda Regional Support Unit (RSU) orGarda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) will be called in to assist.[citation needed]
Gardaí assigned to Public Order Units typically wear black flame-retardant coveralls,[10] standard issue stab-resistant vests and navy baseball caps with "GARDA" on both the front and back, and "PUBLIC ORDER" along the sides in yellow.[citation needed]
Where there is a heightened risk of violence or attack with burning projectiles, such asMolotov cocktails, stab vests are worn under the coveralls and navy blueriot protection helmets with face shields and protective gloves are worn.
For protection in violent situations, an additional layer of flame-retardant body armor designed for public order use, complete with shoulder pads may be worn along with shin and forearm protectors.[citation needed] In September 2018 the Garda Commissioner was obliged to issue a directive confirming that the Public Order Unit's flame retardant hoods were intended to be worn only when a helmet was also worn - when it was queried why some unit members had worn hoods during a public order policing incident in Dublin.[11][12]
The Public Order Unit operates twoIvecowater cannon trucks, which were delivered in February 2025 as part of a €3.2 million upgrade in public order policing following the2023 Dublin riot. The water cannons hold up to 5,200 litres (1,100 imp gal; 1,400 US gal) of water, which can be expelled through two nozzles on the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle also has a large speaker mounded to the cab to broadcast messages.[13] Prior to their delivery, arrangements were made with thePolice Service of Northern Ireland to hire two of their Somati RCV9000GINAF water cannons at short notice.[14]
The Public Order Unit also has a fleet of refitted commercial vans.[8][9] TheseFord Transit vehicles are typically longer wheelbase versions of the standard Ford Transit van used by gardaí for patrol. They do not have a prisoner cage and carry Public Order Unit markings.[citation needed] Previously, Transit vans were equipped with a raiseable and removable windscreen protection cage and removable cages fitted over other windows. However, vehicles ordered in 2015, to replace the aging 2007 fleet, opted instead for specially designed and strengthened windscreens.[citation needed]
As part of the upgrade of the Garda Public Order Unit, fifteen additional vans entered service in 2024.[14] These new Ford Transit vans are fitted with a raisable windscreen protection cage on the windscreen and cages on the side windows. The new vans useBattenberg markings, similar to other newer marked Garda vehicles.[citation needed]
Typically the unit is only called up for riot situations or pre-planned situations such as major sporting events, protests or large-scale public events such as concerts,St. Patrick's Day orHalloween.[9] In some other cases the Public Order unit has been deployed on more frequent or recurring basis during times of increased risk of disturbances. Examples include the days preceding high-tension international football games,[15][7] or during the 2016 build-up to the 1916 Centenary celebrations.[16]
Two full serials patrol Dublin city centre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, providing support to regular patrol Gardaí.[citation needed] One vehicle operates from Pearse Street Garda station on the south side of theRiver Liffey and one from the Bridewell Garda station, the latter previously being deployed in response to a violent attack on two uniformed gardaí in the area.[1] Similar resources are deployed across Dublin onHalloween due to a spike inanti-social behaviour, illegal bonfires, attacks against Gardaí and theDublin Fire Brigade and other related activity.[17]
The vans which are used [by the public order unit] are commercial goods vehicles which have been refitted for use by gardai
The Public Order Unit was last seen in full operational mode in the centre of Dublin during the 2006 O'Connell Street riots, in which a number of officers were injured
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