GRA Withdraws Overtime In Garda Roster Dispute

Tuesday, 3 October 2023 09:46

By Caoimhe Harney

Today's action is the first of five Tuesday protests, which include Budget day and Halloween

The Garda Representative Association has begun its protest over Garda Commissioner Drew Harris' decision to change the Garda roster next month.

Rank-and-file gardaí are refusing to take up voluntary overtime today because of the commissioner’s refusal to defer the reintroduction of the so-called 'Westmanstown roster' prior to the start of talks between all sides.

However, Commissioner Harris insists he is ready and willing to begin talks on the issue of the disputed roster and the three other Garda associations are prepared to enter talks.

Today's action is the first of five Tuesday protests, which include Budget day and Halloween, two days with potential for sporadic public disorder and violence.

The GRA said this will culminate in a refusal by some GRA delegates to work the new roster and a withdrawal of labour on 10 November.

GRA President Brendan O'Connor says there's a simple way to avert the planned action.

More from National News

€20k–€30k Bill Raises Doubts Around Introducing A Video Archive Of Kildare Council Meetings

Councillor Claire O’Rourke has called for the council to create a webcast library of meetings on its website, arguing it would strengthen transparency and allow people who cannot watch live - including workers and carers - to follow key decisions.
Gardaí Target Nigerian-Based Crime Gang In Series Of Raids, Including Kildare

The gang has previously been described by Interpol as a key player in cyber-enabled financial fraud and various online scams.
Kildare Gets Smallest Cut Of Funding To Upgrade Non-Public Rural Roads And Farm Access Routes

The scheme is designed to pay for repairs and upgrades to non-public rural roads and laneways - typically narrow access routes serving homes and farms that are not normally maintained by local authorities.
Major Landlord’s €31.75m Purchase Of 77 Naas Apartments Draws Political Criticism

The criticism comes as the latest Daft.ie figures show how rents are now one third more expensive than before covid, and are 80 per cent higher than they were 10 years ago.
Medically Vulnerable Council Tenants In Kildare Can Now Access Solar Scheme Amid Wider Expansion

Council officials say the Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers, first launched as a pilot in 2022, has since been expanded to include all households registered under the life-support category of the Priority Services Register.
Bid To Replace APCOA With Community Wardens Met With Resistance From Kildare County Council

Council officials said the approach has already been tried in Kildare and “did not prove to be an efficient use of resources.”
Kildare Council Moves On Real-Time River Level Monitoring Amid Increased Risk Of Flooding

Council officials say the Flood Risk Management Team is already in discussions with the Office of Public Works about installing gauges on the River Liffey in both towns.
Athy Nursing Unit At Tender Stage As Naas Mental Health Unit Enters Design Phase Under €11.3m Plan

The single largest allocation locally is €5.614 million for Phase 1 of the Community Nursing Unit development at St Vincent’s Hospital in Athy, which has now reached tender stage.