If you are out and about today, you may notice something different about the gardai you spot out on patrol.
From Monday, gardai will be reporting for duty in their new uniforms.
The new uniforms become “operational” as of 7am today after over 13,000 new kits were delivered to gardai last February.
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More the 560 garda stations throughout Ireland will now be sporting the new outfits.
Members of An Garda Síochána, from rank and file gardaí to sergeant and inspectors, will be required to wear the uniform.
The new gear marks the third time in history the uniform has been changed.
Gardai said in a statement: “The new uniform is contemporary and incorporates elements such as durability, protection and functionality.
“A key finding of the internal Garda Cultural Audit 2018 was a desire from front-line gardaí for a new, practical operational uniform. Over 6,500 members of An Garda Síochána contributed to the findings of the Cultural Audit.”
It added: “This is the first time that elements of the uniform, other than the uniform cap, will feature the Garda Crest and demonstrates the respect held by An Garda Síochána for this unique symbol as we enter the second century of policing in Ireland.
“The current uniform cap remains in operation as a unique and distinctive element of the Garda uniform.”
Gardai will be seen sporting the new uniforms, which feature a two-tone soft shell jacket, two-tone waterproof jacket, a blue polo shirt, blue trousers, and “practical” base layers.
They were decided upon after 200 frontline gardai based at three garda stations in Ireland took part in a pilot project to test out the new uniforms.
The contract to manufacture and supply the new uniforms was awarded to Co Monaghan-based James Boylan Safety Ltd.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will officially unveil the new uniforms at Tallaght garda station in Dublin this morning.
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