Gardaí ramp up security preparations ahead of EU presidency

Ottoline Spearman

Gardaí are stepping up security preparations ahead of Ireland's EU presidency in 2026.

According to the Irish Times, An Garda Síochána is investing more than half a million euro in new simulation technology which will allow senior officers to rehearse responses to major emergencies, including terrorist attacks.

UK firm Critical Simulations has been contracted to supply the technology and train gardaí how to use it.

The firm is the commercial arm of the Hydra Foundation, which provides training technology to many police forces around the world, according to the Irish Times.

The training will recreate live control-room scenarios and will test decision-making during incidents such as mass casualty events and hostage situations.

Other measures include new anti-drone technology and surveillance aircraft.

This is the first time that Ireland has held the EU presidency role, which involves acting as the EU Commission chair and an "honest broker" between member states for a period of six months.

Denmark currently holds the presidency role.