Justice Minister vows to provide force with best safety technology in wake of garda death

Garda Flatley, who lived in Balbriggan, and who was based at the roads policing unit at Dublin Castle, suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a motorbike while conducting speed checks in north county Dublin.

The Minister for Justice has said he is committed to ensuring “top technology” is available to Gardaí following the tragic death of Kevin Flatley.

Jim O’Callaghan made his comments as tributes poured in for Garda Kevin Flatley (49), who was killed while conducting speed checks in north county Dublin. Garda Flatley was a member of the Roads Policing Unit. He is the 90th member of the force killed in the performance of duty.

Garda Flatley, who lived in Balbriggan, and who was based at the roads policing unit at Dublin Castle, suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a motorbike while conducting speed checks in north county Dublin.

He had almost 26 years of dedicated service to An Garda Síochána, including in community policing in Blanchardstown, in Pearse St, and in roads policing for the last seven years. He was described by colleagues as a “seasoned and experienced” member who was very involved in his local community.

He was conducting speed checks on the R132 in Lanestown, close to Blake’s Cross in Lusk on Sunday, and was standing beside his marked garda car pointing a speed gun along what is a straight stretch of the old N1, when he was struck by a high-powered motorbike at around 12.50pm.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, and the owner of the bike, was taken by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital for treatment where his condition was understood to be serious.

Mr O'Callaghan told RTÉ radio the terrible tragedy reinforces the sacrifices and the danger associated with policing in Ireland.

“We think that it's a job, which is the same as other jobs, it's not every day. And members put themselves personally in danger by carrying out their duty on behalf of the people of Ireland. It’s a tragedy that Garda Flatley paid the ultimate prize yesterday, was performing his duty.”

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said Mr Flatley's death in the line of duty should serve as a reset for society on its approach to road safety.

Mr Harris described the father-of-two as “a faithful public servant” and said his death is a terrible reminder of the dangers faced by gardaí enforcing road traffic legislation.

He revealed how earlier on Sunday, another roads policing garda suffered a broken leg after being struck by a motorbike, with one man later arrested, and that last weekend, another garda on roads policing duty was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle.

“The dangers our members are facing is just extraordinary,” he said.

“I acknowledge the tougher sentences that have put in place by the government but also this does call for a real reset and rethink about our approach as a society to road safety – excessive speed, drinking driving, distraction, not wearing seat belts – all of these things are regularly killing people on our roads.” 

Mr O’Callaghan said that he knows he “will have the support of government” to "implement whatever new measures are required in order to ensure that Gardai are kept as safe as possible during their roads policing".

However, he added: “The commissioner talks about reset. We should start looking at ourselves in the first instance as opposed to saying, well, what could the Garda do differently?

"We need to slow down. There is too much speed on our roads. There are too many lives being lost on our roads, and although Gardai are out there to enforce the law and to make the roads as safe as possible, the primary responsibility rests on all of us to ensure that we're not driving excessively fast. That's something that's within all our control."

A section of the road was closed to facilitate a technical examination by garda forensic road traffic collision investigators. The motorbike will also be subject to inspection.

Mr Harris, who visited the scene of the fatality on Sunday afternoon, thanked the emergency services who responded and an off-duty doctor who helped at the scene.

“This is a terrible loss for us all but all of us acknowledge how heavy a blow this is on his family,” he said.

“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with Kevin’s family and friends. We also think of Kevin’s colleagues at the Roads Policing Unit, Dublin Castle.

“Kevin was on duty, serving the public by endeavouring in keeping them safe on our roads. His death is a terrible reminder of the dangers faced by gardaí.” 

He said gardaí want to establish the movements of the large Yamaha R1, 1,000cc motorbike involved in the crash, between 12noon and 12.50pm on Sunday.

He also said the investigation into the incident will include a review of garda policies on speed checks, and that it is likely that lessons will be learned.

Garda Flatley was one of two fatalities on the roads over the weekend, bringing the death toll on Irish roads to 59 so far this year.

On Saturday, a young man in his 20s died following a single vehicle collision at around 2.20pm on the L1020 at Ballycoardra on the Old Tramore Road in Co Waterford.

The driver and a third occupant of the vehicle, both males in their 20s, were taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment of serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Tributes

The President has led a flood of tributes for Garda Kevin Flatley.

Michael D Higgins said Garda Flatley lost his life while serving the community.

“He dedicated his career to public service and to keeping people safe,” the president said.

“The loss of a garda has a deep impact on society due to this strong connection and my thoughts are with his family and all those who knew and cared for Garda Flatley across his life.”

 Taoiseach Micheál Martin said gardaí serve with courage and dedication every day to keep the public safe and to prevent crime.

“The loss of a garda while on duty will be keenly felt by those who knew him, in communities across Ireland and by all members of An Garda Síochána. Our thoughts and prayers go to all those in mourning following this terrible tragedy,” he said.

Mr Flatley was a member of the O'Dwyers GAA club in Balbriggan, where his daughters play.

Club chairman Dave Rooney passed his condolences on to Mr Flatley's family and said: "It's a terrible day for our club and the wider community of Balbriggan."

He said: "Kevin was very active in the community and very active in the club.

He added: "He was always positive around the club, a positive influence and always smiling. He had a fantastic way about him within the club, and he was always willing to lend a hand and kind of helped where he could.

"You know, he obviously had significant commitments with the guards and his family, but when he had downtime, he was always there to give a dig out whenever he could."

Mr Rooney said Mr Flatley was "very patient and very caring" when he worked as a coach with the club.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) described Garda Flatley as a “wonderful friend and colleague” who will never be forgotten and said it has been numbed by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the garda family.

GRA president, Mark O’Meara, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen member, his wife and children and his family as well as his wide circle of friends and colleagues.” Ronan Clogher, the general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), described the tragedy as “a dark day” for An Garda Síochána.

“We are in shock and numbed at the news,” he said.

“No garda shift is ever routine, but this one has ended in the most horrendous of circumstances.” “It is not easy for Garda colleagues so please keep them in your thoughts.” 

AGSI President Declan Higgins appealed to members of the public to heed garda appeals for information.

"Anyone with information should contact the Gardaí immediately."

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, and were in the area at the time are urged to provide this material to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.