New garda chief faces challenges, says McDowell

JUSTICE MINISTER Michael McDowell yesterday told the newly-appointed Garda Commissioner he faced a challenging period as police chief.

Commissioner-designate Noel Conroy takes over from Commissioner Pat Byrne when he steps down on July 20.

Appointing him yesterday, Mr McDowell said: "Noel Conroy's personal attributes, together with his wide range of experience and current responsibility for all operational matters, ensured he is very well suited to lead the Garda Síochána through the challenging period of change that lies ahead."

Mr Conroy, currently Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, has been investigating crime for four decades.

Now 60, he is likely to prove a popular, if demanding, police chief among the 12,000-strong force.

Originally from Blacksod, Co Mayo, Deputy Commissioner Conroy, has worked as a detective throughout Dublin.

He also worked in the Central Detective Unit and later worked in the Crime and Security Section In 1981, he was awarded the Silver Scott Medal for apprehending and prosecuting a notorious paramilitary gang.

"He is a very good investigator of crime. He would have investigated crime at all levels," said one garda source.

"Since 1996 he's been Deputy Commissioner in charge of all operations, so he would have a major handle on the area."

Sources yesterday described him as a private man who shuns the limelight.