THE PILOT FOR a new summer uniform for members of An Garda Síochána will start in three stations from today.

The design for the new uniforms has been criticised by rank-and-file gardaí, who claim it is not practical and does not look professional.

The shirt in the pilot uniform is made up of two fabrics – at the top it is fabric similar to the shirt currently worn by members and from the chest down the material is lighter material. The trousers are made of a similar material to the current formal trousers, but they have a large combat-style pocket on each leg.

From today gardaí in Bunclody station in Wexford, Henry Street station in Limerick and Tallagh station in Dublin will pilot the summer uniform.

At the Garda Representative Association (GRA) conference last month, then President Ciaran O’Neill said the uniform needs a “dramatic overhaul and modernising”.

Changing the cover of the protection vest, sticking a pocket on the trousers and giving us a breathable t-shirt which is hidden is just not good enough and sets up a false dawn.

“If our technology is to be brought up to modern-day standards under the modernization agenda Commissioner, then so should our uniform,” he said. “The uniform is the most visible thing about a member of An Garda Síochána. While others walk away from danger our members walk towards it. We need our uniform to reflect the work we do and it should provide the comfort and security to allow us to do our job effectively.”

“The pilot is part of the development and improvement of the garda operational uniform in conjunction with the Uniform Committee,” it said.

“Feedback from garda members on the suitability of the summer uniform will be taken into consideration as part of the forthcoming procurement process for the operational uniform.”