Special army unit to join and play bigger role with anti-terrorist Gardaí

It has been announced that the Special Army Forces will play a much bigger role in supporting the Gardaí in responding to potential terror attacks.

Captain John Forde, of the Defence Forces, told 98fm: "Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is to provide support to An Garda Síochána in maintaining the security of the State and its people. 

"In this regard Inter-agency training and close co-operation between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána is ongoing."

This means that the Irish soldiers will work alongside the Emergency and Armed Support Units.

They will be the first responders on the scene in the event of an attack in Ireland.

This follows recent efforts by the Gardaí and the Dublin Fire Brigade to extend their training exercises.