A member of An Garda Síochána has died while on duty during a speeding checkpoint operation in north County Dublin, reports RTE.
According to gardaí, Garda Kevin Flatley was hit by a motorcyclist while working on the R132, also known as the old Swords to Balbriggan Road, in the Lanestown area.
At approximately 1pm, Gda Flatley was using a speed detection device and identified a motorcyclist travelling at high speed, prompting him to attempt to signal the rider to stop, reports RTE.
The garda was then struck by a Yamaha R1 1000cc motorcycle and suffered fatal injuries, passing away at the scene.
Gda Flatley, who was part of the Roads Policing Unit, was 49 years old and the father of two young daughters.
The motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, was also injured during the incident, reports RTE.
He was transported to Beaumont Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Gardaí and emergency crews are currently at the crash site on the R132 in Lanestown, Co Dublin.
The road has been closed to allow for forensic and technical analysis, and diversions have been implemented in the area, reports RTE.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, especially those with footage, to come forward.
Those with relevant information are encouraged to contact Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any local garda station, reports RTE.
Flags are being flown at half-mast this evening at Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park and at the memorial honouring fallen gardaí.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris expressed his sorrow over the passing of Gda Flatley, who becomes the 90th garda to die in the line of duty, reports RTE.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with Kevin’s family and friends. Kevin, 49 years of age, has over 26 years of dedicated service to An Garda Síochána and the people of Ireland,” Mr Harris said, reports RTE.
The head of the Garda Representative Association said the organisation is “numbed by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the garda family”.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors referred to the tragedy as “devastating” and called it a “dark day” for An Garda Síochána, reports RTE.
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