Four gardaí are still on leave after seven officers were injured during three distinct “violent incidents” in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, over the weekend.
On Friday around 10pm, gardaí were called to a home in the area after receiving a request for help from the National Ambulance Service, reports RTE.
Upon arrival, officers encountered “an aggressive and intoxicated woman” at the address.
While trying to detain the woman, several people at the scene attacked three gardaí physically, reports RTE.
Despite what gardaí referred to as a “sustained” assault, the woman was eventually taken into custody and brought to Dungarvan Garda Station.
Medical checks found all three officers unfit for duty, and one required extra care at an emergency room, reports RTE.
Two of the injured gardaí are still not back at work.
Later that same day, in an unrelated incident, two more officers were assaulted at Dungarvan Garda Station by a man arrested under the Public Order Act, reports RTE.
These officers also needed hospital care and have not yet returned to duty.
The third case occurred just after 10pm on Sunday, when two gardaí were dispatched to a disturbance on Sexton Street involving two men.
Both officers were attacked while trying to manage the situation, reports RTE.
According to gardaí, “use of force options” were used in the incident, and both men were taken into custody, reports RTE.
Investigations into all three events are currently ongoing.
Gardaí confirmed that all involved members have received full backing from local management, including access to employee assistance and welfare resources, reports RTE.
Since last Friday, policing duties in the area have been overseen by the regional control centre, with help from nearby garda units to maintain public safety.
Chief Superintendent for the Waterford/Kilkenny Garda Division Anthony Pettit said: “Attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are deplorable. Emergency service personnel, including An Garda Síochána and the National Ambulance Service, respond to incidents to help citizens. It is unacceptable that any of them should be assaulted while on duty. These incidents will be fully investigated. My thoughts are with the garda members involved, who will receive all available support. The public can be assured that full policing services will be maintained. I commend the dedication and support of the members who have made themselves available to assist their colleagues at this time,” he added, reports RTE.
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