Cavan's armed Garda unit expected to expand

They're based at Cavan Garda Station.

The Garda Commissioner and Justice Minister have opened the new offices of the local Regional Armed Support unit in Cavan town.

The unit, which began work on a temporary basis two years ago, is now on a permanent footing.

Drew Harris and Heather Humphreys visited the unit, which is based in refurbished accommodation at Cavan Garda Station, earlier today.

The ASU was set up "overnight" according to Commissioner Harris, after the brutal attack on Mannok Director Kevin Lunney. There were widespread calls at the time for more to be done to tackle cross border and gang related criminality.

He said the unit has brought "an immediate difference in terms of supporting local Gardaí".

It was originally staffed by Garda officers seconded from other parts of the country but is now made up of Gardaí from the local region who were successful in the recruitment process. The highly-skilled officers are armed and have carried out extensive training.

Three ASU units are now operational in the border region, Cavan, Dundalk and Ballyshannon.

Refurbishment works were carried out at Cavan Garda Station to accommodate the unit.

Commissioner Drew Harris last year told Cavan Joint Policing Committee that he expected the unit to increase in number up to a total complement of five Sergeants and 25 Garda members.