Frontline gardaí equipped with Tasers as part of a pilot programme a month ago have not yet fired the weapons. The pilot project was fast-tracked in response to concerns about an increase in attacks on gardaí and late-night anti-social behaviour. Figures obtained by The Irish Times show that, as of January 18th, there had been no discharge of Tasers by gardaí involved in the pilot project. Launching the project in Store Street Garda station in Dublin last month, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said the weapons were necessary to protect Garda members. While frontline gardaí taking part in the pilot project have not fired their Tasers in the last month, the weapons have been used recently by the Armed Support Unit (ASU).

Source: The Irish Times January 23, 2026 12:03 UTC