The first Garda strike in the history of the state will go ahead tomorrow.
The GRA – which represents 10,500 rank and file gardai says it will not postpone its industrial action, but it’s asked colleagues in almost 20 units to report for duty to maintain a skeletal staff.
Emergency Response units, airport police and 999 centres are expected to operate.
The Garda Commissioner is due to announce contingency plans later today.
The announcement means that the first ever garda strike will go ahead tomorrow, with individual gardai not reporting for duty.
The Garda Representative Association says it’s a matter for individual members, but it’s urging several units to report for duty.
The Justice Minister had asked the GRA and the AGSI to suspend their action while they wait for a recommendation on pay by the Labour Court.
It’s the first time gardai have had access to the Court – which won't have recommendations to make until tomorrow.
The AGSI is continuing its talks at the Labour Court this afternoon.
Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald says there’s nothing that can replace 12,500 gardai – but plans are in place to deal with a strike.
Contingency plans have been put in place in Clare ahead of tomorrow's planned Garda strike.
The head of the Clare Garda Division says he's confident that they will be able to respond to any serious incidents, while Shannon Airport say they won't be affected in any significant way.
There was a meeting involving senior Gardaí in Clare this morning at which the finishing touches were put in place to deal with tomorrow's disruption.
Citing operational reasons Chief Superintendent John Kerin has declined to reveal just how many Gardaí will report tomorrow, but has acknowledged that there will be a significantly reduced workforce.
Some station opening hours will be cut too, as Gardaí here look to focus on providing an 'out-and-about' mobile presence.
Ennis Garda Station will be open, including the communications room, and the Chief Superintendent says they're determined to be in a position to respond when it will be required.
Meanwhile, Shannon Airport says it will be business as usual tomorrow.
Immigration Units are among the personnel who have been asked by the GRA today not to take part in any industrial action, and Shannon's Operations Director Niall Moloney is confident passengers won't see their plans disrupted.
