It may be a day to 'hang on to your hat' in the midst of Storm Éowyn, but in the case of over 14,000 members of the gardaí, they’ll be hanging on to their new baseball caps.
From today, all sergeants, inspectors and rank and file gardaí will wear a baseball cap on operational duties.
The new cap will replace the traditional peaked cap which gardaí had worn since the foundation of the State but which they say had become "quite outdated, cumbersome and impractical."
The new caps are dark blue with the garda crest in gold on the front.
They are the final addition to the multi-million euro upgrade to the garda uniform over the past three years.
The heavy so called great-coat, tunic, trousers and cap have now been replaced.
The new garda baseball cap is for use on operational duties.
Gardaí will still be issued with the traditional peaked cap, which is to be used for formal occasions such as court appearances and ceremonial duties.
The more senior officers from Superintendent up to Commissioner will retain the traditional peaked cap.
Gardaí are also being issued with new thermal sleeveless jackets which can be worn under the fluorescent top.
Many had complained of the cold and the sergeants and inspectors at their annual conference last year said the new uniform was not warm enough outdoors.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has welcomed the changes to the uniform as "positive developments".
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) also said it has always been in favour of progressive reform.
GRA President Mark O’Meara said the new uniform, now with the new cap, "moves with the times and brings us into line with many of our counterparts in other European jurisdictions."
In a separate development, the Roads Policing Unit is also testing a new tunic and heavy-duty pants for garda motorcyclists.
It is understood the proposed new outfit could cost up to €1,200 per garda.
