Gardaí across the country will be spotted out and about in their new uniforms for the first time today.
The uniform change was announced back in February and came into effect this morning.
2022 marks the centenary year since the foundation of An Garda Síochana and it is only the third time that the force have changed their uniform.
13,000 members have received their new uniform across 560 stations nationwide.
The uniform consists of a two tone soft shell jacket, a two tone waterproof jacket, a Garda blue polo shirt, operational trousers and practical base layers.
For the first time ever the Garda crest will feature on uniform items other than the cap.
There has been no change to the current cap or the official headwear for religious and cultural reasons and beliefs such as the Turban, Kufi, Topi, Kippah, or Hijab which also contain the crest.
The new uniform has got a mixed reaction on Twitter:
Watching out the window from work hoping to see the new #garda uniform. It’s a bit like waiting to see the first new car of the new year. #changeisgood
— Paul Mc Guinness (@paulmcguinness6) August 15, 2022
The new Garda uniform has a very Australian soap opera vibe to it... pic.twitter.com/eKZ2G44QTg
— Dermot Keyes (@DermotKeyes) February 7, 2022
The Garda’s new uniform is very sraith pictiur
— Seán Ronan (@seanronan_) August 15, 2022
The new Garda uniforms make it look like they’re about to take over the management of Deep Space Nine. pic.twitter.com/Xc29zhHeVJ
— Gary Moloney (@m_gearoid) August 15, 2022
New Garda uniform just dropped pic.twitter.com/9jfoB4YhhY
— Morgan C. Jones (@funnydub) August 15, 2022
Am I alone in thinking the new Garda uniform looks like a uniform a u17 soccer team at the airport for a tour of scotland would wear?
— brian lucey (@brianmlucey) August 15, 2022
"We are all working to ensure that Ireland’s national police and security service remains best placed to meet the needs of an evolving society, and embracing this re-designed, modern uniform is a visual representation of a new era in policing," Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said.
"It is my hope that in receiving this new uniform, it will further enhance your sense of pride in being a member of An Garda Síochána as you go about your day-to-day duties.
"Projecting a professional appearance and wearing the uniform of An Garda Síochána with the deep respect it deserves are important because they underscore our overarching mission: Keeping people safe."
Gardaí, sergeants and inspectors will all begin wearing the new uniforms immediately, however the uniforms of those of superintendent rank or higher remain the same.
Some members have been wearing the new uniforms for a couple of months now as part of a pilot project.
