The Policing Authority has expressed its concerns about the way An Garda Síochána is implementing a new policing model as recommended by the Garda Inspectorate.
The Inspectorate recommended that garda divisions be reorganised on a functional rather than on a geographical model whereby Superintendents have responsibility for policing functions rather than districts.
Four pilot models have been set up in response to these recommendations in Cork, Galway, Mayo and Kevin Street in Dublin.
However, the Policing Authority is unhappy that An Garda Síochána "continues to divide divisions geographically" and that the pilots "mirror" the old policing model.
It says there ought to be scope for variation, and at least one example whereby the "pure" Functional Model as recommended by the Garda Inspectorate would be tested.
The authority also says it has "considerable misgivings" that the roles of roads policing and governance are grouped together in one hub.
The criticisms are contained in its sixth report to the Minister for Justice which was published this evening.
The Policing Authority recommends that An Garda Síochána "take into account the reservations set out in this report as they commence and work through the roll out in these first four divisions."
