The Taoiseach has expressed that he is “very shocked and deeply saddened” following the death of a Roads Policing Unit member who was killed while on duty this afternoon, reports RTE.
Garda Kevin Flatley lost his life after being hit by a motorcycle during a checkpoint operation in the Lanestown area of north County Dublin.
While speaking in Cork, Micheál Martin conveyed his “deepest sympathies to his family, to his friends and to the entire membership of An Garda SÃochána”, reports RTE.
He noted that gardaà risk their lives daily to protect the public, adding that it is “truly shocking” such a tragedy has occurred.
President Michael D Higgins praised Gda Flatley, saying he “dedicated his career to public service and to keeping people safe”, reports RTE.
“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 Gda Flatley across his life,” President Higgins added, reports RTE.
Commissioner Drew Harris of An Garda SÃochána also extended his condolences to Gda Flatley’s loved ones.
He said the 49-year-old had served “26 years of dedicated service to An Garda SÃochána and the people of Ireland”.
Mr Harris described his death as a “terrible reminder of the dangers faced by gardaÔ, reports RTE.
He also confirmed that Gda Flatley is the 90th officer to lose his life in the line of duty.
The Commissioner said investigators are especially focused on tracking the movements of a large Yamaha 1000cc motorcycle, reports RTE.
He reiterated the call for dash-cam footage from the public, stating that they have “already received a lot of assistance from the public.”
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Mr Harris thanked members of the public, emergency personnel, and an off-duty doctor who “came immediately to the aid of Kevin”, reports RTE.
“All the assistance that could be rendered was rendered as quickly as possible,” Mr Harris added, reports RTE.
Paul Cleary, Garda Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Division, said Gda Flatley was “well regarded by his colleagues” and had strong ties with his local community in Balbriggan.
He described the death as a “huge loss to our Garda family”, reports RTE.
The Tánaiste also spoke out, saying he was filled with “profound shock and sadness” upon hearing of Gda Flatley’s passing.
Simon Harris issued a statement in which he said Gda Flatley was a “long-serving and much-respected” officer.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said he was “shocked” by the tragic news, reports RTE.
“I know his death will bring heartbreak to his family, friends, loved ones and his colleagues in An Garda SÃochána across the whole country,” he said in a statement, reports RTE.
“As Minister for Justice, I convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to the parents, family and friends of Garda Flatley and indeed to the whole family of An Garda SÃochána,” he added, reports RTE.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien called the incident “tragic” in a social media post, reports RTE.
“My heartfelt thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time. Anyone with information should contact the Gardaà immediately,” he added, reports RTE.
Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, also shared her “deepest condolences” with Gda Flatley’s family and colleagues and said the event was “shocking and heartbreaking”, reports RTE.
Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly, representing Dublin-Fingal, described the day as “immensely tragic” for Gda Flatley’s loved ones.
“It’s very hard to think that this happened in our community on a bright Sunday afternoon,” she said, reports RTE.
“Local people are in shock at this devastating news,” Ms O’Reilly added, reports RTE.
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