An Garda Síochána is still owed nearly €850,000 for policing concerts, matches and other non-public events last year and during the first quarter of 2025, new figures have revealed. Gardaí are regularly deployed to police festivals, sports events, conferences, and public appearances by personalities likely to attract large crowds. Fees are charged in respect of these services, although the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) has criticised charging policies in the past, as An Garda Síochána was failing to recoup the full cost of policing. Last year, it noted that €207,180 had been charged for policing a Harry Styles concert in Slane in June 2023, while the actual cost of the services provided amounted to €274,166. In one instance, An Garda Síochána waived the non-public duty charge entirely on the basis that it was a charity event – even though the organiser was not a registered charity and participants were charged an entry fee. Figures provided by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan last week in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin TD Paul Donnelly show that €830,641 has yet to be collected in respect of non-public duty policing since the start of 2024. High-profile non-public events at which gardaí have provided policing services in the past include the Galway Races, the Rose of Tralee festival, and the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney. An Garda Síochána also provides policing services for international rugby and soccer matches, as well as major GAA fixtures, and professional golf tournaments. Last year, the C&AG criticised the flat rate charged in respect of these services, claiming that it failed to reflect additional overtime rates and allowances for duty on Sundays or bank holidays. The flat rate also failed to take into account pay increases awarded after April 2023. This meant that the fee charged for policing services was less than the actual cost, and the taxpayer was ultimately making up the shortfall. There were also inconsistencies in the way fees were applied, with some private organisations charged based on the original estimated number of hours, while others were charged for the actual number of hours if they exceeded the estimate. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.