Waterford-based Garda forensic collision investigator had to travel to Donegal to examine fatal crash scene

Garda Representative Association’s annual conference heard there was currently 'a huge shortage' of forensic collision investigators

GRA members called for action on addressing the shortage of Garda forensic collision investigators.

A Garda forensic collision investigator had to travel 400km from Waterford to Donegal to carry out an examination of a fatal crash scene in February because there was no such investigator available closer to the scene.

In a second case, the scene of a fatal road accident in Donegal was closed to traffic for 42 hours last November because the forensic investigator had to travel from Tipperary, again because there was no one available closer to Donegal.

The issue was highlighted on Tuesday at the Garda Representative Association’s annual conference in Killarney, where members called for action on addressing the shortage and sought a policy and procedures document to ensure highest standards.

Shane Bonner, who is on the central executive committee of the association, said there was currently “a huge shortage” of forensic collision investigators.

“We are falling really really short on what we're doing and what the service that the Garda Síochána are providing.” 

He said in cases where there were fatalities, “people are waiting for answers, they want to know what happened, how it happened, the outcomes".

He added: “The workload is so heavy at the moment on the FCIs that they're just snowed under. We have 11 forensic collision investigators in the country at the moment. There's a Garda roads policing bureau recommendation of a minimum of 24.” 

He said a competition for new investigators was cancelled, despite 11 "that have been dragged all over the country". He cited the Waterford and Tipperary examples during his speech to delegates.

Tipperary-based investigator Chris O’Mara said the road at the scene of the Donegal collision he attended last year was closed for 42 hours as a result of the journey involved in travelling to the scene. The scene was at a border crossing, he said.

“The collision had occurred at 10pm on Friday and it was Sunday at about 7.30am by the time I arrived at the scene. I was told I was the only investigator available in the country.” 

He said the role of senior national forensic collision investigator has been vacant since 2023.

“One member last year did 18 fatal accidents. The recommended number is five to six in a year, so he's three times the workload. How do you produce proper files and proper investigations, to the coroners court, to the family, to everyone that deserves the proper information?” 

A Garda spokesman said: “A preliminary process is currently under way prior to announcing a new competition for forensic collision investigators in the near future.”