Policing operation for Europa League final cost An Garda Síochána over €7 million

A letter of assurance provided to UEFA when Dublin secured the right to host the event prevents the government from recouping any of the costs from the football body, the minister for justice has revealed

The policing operation surrounding the Europa League Final in Dublin last May cost An Garda Síochána more than €7 million – and not a single cent can be recouped from UEFA, it has emerged.

The football showpiece took place at the Aviva Stadium on May 22, when Atalanta beat German champions Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in front of more than 47,000 people.

The event was touted as being worth around €15 million to the local economy, but new figures show the deployment of around 1,800 gardaí to police the final cost the state at least €7.12 million.

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The majority of this cost related to overtime, accounting for €4.86 million, while €490,000 was paid out to gardaí in unsocial allowances. Travel and subsistence cost a further €40,000, and €1.17 million was incurred in other expenses.

The figures were published this week by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, who was asked by Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan whether An Garda Síochána had sought to recoup any of these costs from UEFA. He was told that a letter of assurance had been provided to UEFA when Dublin secured the right to host the final, which stated that the government would cover policing costs relating to the event. Therefore, “no recoupment is being sought by An Garda Síochána,” Ms McEntee said.

Around 1,800 gardaí were present in the capital on May 22 in what was one of the biggest-ever deployments of officers. The operation covered Dublin Airport, the city centre, Shelbourne Greyhound Stadium, the RDS, and Dublin Castle.

Planning for the final began 20 months before the actual date, when Garda authorities began discussions with key stakeholders, including Dublin City Council, the FAI, UEFA, and the National Transport Authority.

In a statement following the final, UEFA extended its “heartfelt thanks” to the clubs involved in the occasion, as well as the FAI, local authorities, and match staff. It said they had helped fans to feel safe and welcome. The organisation added that the event had been “without incident” and was a resounding success.

The figures published by Ms McEntee relate to the cost incurred to date, and are operational and therefore subject to change, she noted

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