Drew Harris calls for road security “reset”

Garda Commissioner (Head of the Irish Police) Drew Harris has called for “real reset” in terms of traffic safety.

The death of Garda Kevin Flatley, 49, follows on Sunday, while performing a speed control point in County Dublin.

Garda Flatley died at the scene after he was hit by a motorcyclist in Lanestown in the north of the county shortly before 1:00 p.m. local time on Sunday.

A motorcyclist, a man in the thirties, was seriously injured in the incident and was brought to the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where his condition is described as critical.

At a press conference on Sunday, Mr. Harris said it was a “desperate day for a Garda Síochána”.

Mr. Harris confirmed that the investigations will forward until his death.

He emphasized “the dangers that exist for those who deal with street police”.

The Irish broadcaster RTé reported that another Garda member was also affected by a motorcycle in Coolock and broke his leg on Sunday.

Rté reported that a man had been arrested.

A third Garda was also injured in service last week when he was hit by a car.

The Commissioner said that “this is a regular event”.

“The dangers that our members are faced are only exceptional.

“I recognize the harder sentences that have been set up by the government, but this also requires a real reset and rethinking about our approach as a society in terms of traffic safety.

“We know what causes dangers on the street,” he said.

“Each of us has a responsibility when we take to the streets. Our streets are busy, they are not a place for dangerous driving.”

Gardaí also renewed her calling for information and the Dash CAM film material.

The commissioner said a number of people were reported, but they were still looking for information about the movements of the R1 Yamaha -Motorrads from noon on Sunday, at the hour before Garda Flatley was killed.

The GAA Club in Balbriggan, of which Garda Flatley and his family were members, paid tribute to him.

In a statement, the club said: “Kevin was an absolute gentleman who had a major role in our club and always played a hand if he could. It was always a pleasure to chat with him, and his Grá (love) for GAA and helps others to go through in every conversation.

“He was a committed coach with our U10 girls team, encouraged the players at any time and brought great energy,” the explanation said.

They expanded their “deepest condolences” of the family of Garda Flatley.