The Garda Commissioner has called for a societal “reset” following the on-duty death of Garda Kevin Flatley on Sunday.
Drew Harris said the incident calls for a “real reset and rethink about our approach as society to road safety”, with excessive speed, drink driving and distraction contributing to road deaths.
The 49-year-old Garda Flatley, who lived in the Balbriggan area, was hit by a motorcycle while carrying out a checkpoint near Lanestown in north Co Dublin just before 1pm.
It is understood Garda Flatley, a member of the Roads Policing Unit, was conducting a speed checkpoint in the area when the incident occurred. He suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
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The motorcyclist, a man aged in his 30s, was transported by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.
Addressing reporters at Garda headquarters in Dublin on Sunday evening, the Garda Commissioner said it was a “desperately sad day”.
He extended the Garda’s “deepest sympathy to the family of Kevin Flatley, to his wife Una and to his children and his extended family, including his parents”.
“I’d just like to say Kevin has been a very faithful public servant,” he said, adding that Garda Flatley was a well-known and well-liked member of the force.
Mr Harris, who visited the scene of the incident on Sunday, said the investigation was ongoing and that a lot of help had already been received from members of the public.
He described the 1,000cc Yamaha R1 involved in the incident as a “large motorcycle” and said gardaí were keen to track its movements prior to the incident.
He thanked members of public, other emergency services and an off-duty doctor who came immediately to the aid of Garda Flatley.
“And all assistance that could be rendered was rendered as quickly as possible but, tragically, to no avail and Kevin passed away.”
President Michael D Higgins offered his “deepest condolences” to the family, colleagues and friends of Garda Flatley, who he said had “dedicated his career” to keeping people safe.
“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. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal,” he said in a statement.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the death of an on-duty garda would be “keenly felt” by those who knew him, in communities across Ireland and by all gardaí.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to all those in mourning following this terrible tragedy,” he said.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. The road was closed on Sunday and the scene was being preserved for forensic and technical examination. The local coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified.
Garda Flatley was a well-respected member of the force with 26 years of experience. He was the father of two young children.
He is the 90th member of the Garda to be killed in the line of duty since the force’s foundation more than a century ago.
“Kevin was on duty this afternoon, serving the public by endeavouring in keeping them safe on our roads,” Mr Harris said.
“His death is a terrible reminder of the dangers faced by gardaí. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan also paid tribute to Garda Flatley.
“Very sadly, this brave garda has died in the line of duty, serving and protecting the community. I know his death will bring heartbreak to his family, friends, loved ones and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána across the whole country,” he said.
“The women and men of An Garda Síochána go out to work every day to keep Ireland safe. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves, as they work to shield us from harm and to strengthen our communities.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said the death was a tragedy and appealed for anyone with information to contact gardaí immediately.
Mark O’Meara, president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), said gardaí are numbed “by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the Garda family”.
“Today 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,” he said.
“We have lost a wonderful friend and colleague and he will never be forgotten for what he gave to public service and what he meant to his colleagues.”
Ronan Clogher, general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), described the news as “devastating” and called it “a dark day” for An Garda Síochána.
“We are in shock and numbed at the news this afternoon. No Garda shift is ever routine, but this one has ended in the most horrendous of circumstances,” he said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. It is not easy for Garda colleagues today so please keep them in your thoughts.”
AGSI president Declan Higgins appealed for anyone in a position to provide information to come forward.
“I would ask the public to respond to calls for any information as they work on this investigation. There will be tough days ahead and we really ask for the public’s support,” he said.
In a statement confirming the death, Garda headquarters appealed for witnesses to come forward.
“Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam recordings, and were in the area at the time are urged to provide this material to investigating gardaí,” it said.
“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.” -additional reporting PA
