Gardaí to be sent to France to help security operations at Paris Olympics

Gardaí are to be sent to France to help security operations at both the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games which begin next month.

Following a request from the French authorities, An Garda Síochána has been approved to deploy Garda members to France for the duration of the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games during July, August and September.

The Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will see supporters from across the world, including thousands of Irish supporters travelling to France.

Garda headquarters in the Phoenix Park confirmed the deployment on Monday.

In a statement, Garda management confirmed that “an internal competition has commenced” for the selection of members to travel “for this deployment and An Garda Síochána will announce further details when appropriate.”

All Garda members while in France will carry out patrols in uniform with French police officers and assist in the investigation of complaints by, or offences involving, Irish nationals such as in fan zones and other locations.

An Garda Síochána has previously deployed Garda members to similar large sporting occasions. A total of eight Garda members, two deployments of four, were deployed to France for the Rugby World Cup last year.

Around 35,000 police and gendarmes are expected to be mobilised each day during the games, with a peak of 45,000 expected for the opening ceremony on July 26th, according to the UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Heightened tensions in the Middle East will increase concern that the Games may be a target for terrorists and international intelligence agencies are liaising closely to prevent any such incidents.

Previously, Garda members were deployed in France during July and August 2023 and 2022 to assist French police in