The President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) is asking that Gardai be allowed to use high-powered machine guns.
This is following a fatal shooting in the Regency where David Byrne (34) was shot dead while a boxing competition. Two other individuals were injured.
Dermot O’ Brien, the president of the GRA stated that An Garda Síochána “is under-resourched” and says he wants his members “to be protected when they go out there.
He suggested that guns be allocated to Gardai in the regional support unit in the Metropolitan area of Dublin.
The gun in question would be the MP7 submachine gun, renowned for protection and accuracy.
Mr O’ Brien also requested that there be extra-recruitment into special units to deal with organised crime.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny says that the Minister for Justice will meet with the Garda Comissioner.
“There has been a new escalation in the crime gangland war in Dublin” he said in a statement.
Gardai in Dublin are currently carrying out armed checkpoints throughout the city following the murder of Eddie Hutch Senior, who was gunned down in his own home last night.