More than 100 extra gardaí have been drafted into the 'riot squad' to cope with 1916 centenary events.

The serving officers, who come from all six Garda regions, were given specialised training to qualify for the Public Order Unit.

The Irish Independent claims the force has been beefed up amid fears that centenary commemorations could be hijacked by troublemakers.

The officers will be out in force at public gatherings, including the main Easter Rising events in March and April.

A major state ceremony will take place outside the GPO on Dublin's O'Connell Street on March 27th, including a parade.

The Public Order Unit's last mass operation took place during the Ireland vs England football match in the Aviva Stadium in May 2015.

Around 600 new gardaí are to be recruited to the force over the coming year.