The Policing Authority welcomes today’s announcement by the Garda Síochána of the phased introduction of the Garda Operating Model in each of its 19 divisions during 2020, and the allocation of Superintendents to each of those divisions. It welcomes in particular the publication of a definitive timeline of the roll-out across all the remaining divisions this year.

The Authority is pleased by the pace of the implementation of the new Operating Model since it was announced last August. The Garda Síochána has kept the Authority up to date on progress throughout and will continue to provide information and briefings during 2020.

This new structure for local policing represents the most significant structural change in the history of the Garda Síochána. It includes a reduction in the number of regions and divisions and aims to deliver a more visible, effective and responsive policing service to communities. The revised structures also have the potential to release further Garda members to front-line duties and to reduce duplication, bureaucracy and back-office support costs.

Maintaining the momentum of this far-reaching change programme will be an important contribution to its success. The Authority will continue to engage with the Garda Síochána on the implementation of the Operating Model and will monitor the effectiveness and consistency of the delivery of the initiative.