SPECIALIST training for the garda Public Order Unit has intensified in recent weeks as gardaí prepare for outbreaks of violence and civil unrest in the coming weeks and months.

In the past two weeks, the Public Order Unit – known as the riot squad – has increased its training sessions at remote locations following minor outbreaks of violence as a result of public unrest over the government's handling of the banking crisis and other issues.

There are fears that Tuesday's budget could prompt mass demonstrations and gardaí want to be as prepared as possible for trouble.

It is understood that the 200-acre Belcamp College site, located off the Malahide Road, and Santry garda station, both in Dublin, are currently being used for intensive training for specialist officers.

The drills include baton charges and training on how to deal with petrol bombs. Officers carry out their training, some of which involves the use of firearms, in full riot gear.

Each garda division in the country has a public order unit within it. Some busy divisions, mainly in Dublin city, have two public order units. Each consists of 22 officers – a garda inspector, three sergeants, and 18 gardaí.

Officers assigned to these specialist units work for them on a part-time basis and have regular garda duties. The inspectors in charge of each unit have undergone public order 'commander' training on how to lead these teams in violent situations.

Public order unit gardaí are regularly sent on refresher courses to brush up on specialist skills and improve fitness levels. Courses and training for riot squad gardaí have intensified in recent weeks following a series of protests that have turned violent.

On 5 November, riot squad gardaí clashed with protesters involved in a student march. Sources say a hardcore group of about 50 protesters intent on trouble hijacked the demonstration.

Sinn Féin supporters, the Socialist Workers Party and republican socialist group Éirígí were prominent among about 50 protesters at the centre of the disturbances.

The group gained access to the Department of Finance building on Merrion Row where the 25,000-strong march culminated.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is investigating complaints made against gardaí in relation to this incident.

Two weeks ago, batons were drawn as gardaí confronted a group of more than 50 Sinn Féin supporters which forced its way past the gates at Government Buildings.

After the demonstrators had been escorted back on to Merrion Street, gardaí maintained a blue line across the front of Government Buildings until the protest ended.

On the same day in Cork, four members of Ógra Shinn Féin occupied the offices of Fianna Fáil councillors at City Hall. The grouping also held a lunchtime protest outside the city's main post office. Riot squad officers were drafted in to deal with the situation.

A source said it was recognised that training for the riot squad was "never more important than at this moment" because of public anger over the country's financial crisis.