LAST UPDATE | 48 mins ago

GARDA INVESTIGATORS ARE examining CCTV footage from a business at the scene of where Garda Kevin Flatley was killed which is understood to show the collision.

A petrol station near where the garda was standing is believed to have clear images showing what happened. This video will be a key focus of the garda probe. 

Garda forensic collision investigators are at the scene again today and their calculations and forensic examination of the motorbike involved will seek to determine the speed the bike was going at when the crash happened.

Sources have said that early indications show that the speed the bike was travelling at in excess of the 80kms/hour limit on that part of the road.

The injured motorcyclist remains in a critical condition in hospital. It is understood that he did not have a history of interactions with gardaí.

Meanwhile Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has called for a “real reset” on Ireland’s approach to road safety following the death of the Garda.

Garda Flatley, who was 49-years-old, had been on duty when he was struck down by a motorcycle at a checkpoint in north county Dublin. He died at the scene. 

The motorcyclist remains in hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries.

Speaking at Garda Headquarters the Commissioner said: “This is a regular occurrence where we are enforcing legislation, road traffic laws but also criminal law in respect of road users… the dangers my members are facing is just extraordinary.

“I acknowledge the tougher sentences that have been put in place by the government, but also, this does call for a real reset and rethink about our approach as a society to road safety.”

Harris said that Garda Flatley’s death was “the very hard edge” of issues with road safety, “where we have a garda member killed in a road traffic collision, and all of us feel this today, and all of us have to rethink – ourselves as well – what we need to be doing.”

This morning, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said on Morning Ireland, “I think when the Commissioner was speaking yesterday about a reset, he wasn’t just addressing his comments to a policy about roads policing.

“He was addressing society. We need to slow down. There is too much speed in our roads. There are too many lives being lost on our roads.”

The Commissioner had also mentioned during his media briefing yesterday evening that another garda member had been struck by a motorcycle yesterday while on duty and had suffered a broken leg.

Responding to this, O’Callaghan said, “It’s been a particularly bad week”, adding that he felt it was important to note that an arrest had been made in respect of the second incident.

“I will as Minister for Justice, and I know enough the support of government, I’ll implement whatever new measures are required in order to ensure that gardaí are kept as safe as possible during their roads policing.”

He said he is “certainly committed” to ensuring gardaí have access to the best technology available to aid them in their work.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, speaking on Newstalk this morning, said that Ireland as a society needs to reflect on its attitude towards road safety and prioritise abiding by speed limits, wearing seatbelts, and the manner in which one drives. 

He said that the tragedy has shown the “enormous respect” Ireland holds for An Garda Síochána that is not always “articulated or reflected”.

The Road Safety Authority similarly paid its respects to Garda Flatley this afternoon.

“On behalf of everyone at the Road Safety Authority, we want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Garda Kevin Flatley. He died while carrying out his duty—on the front line of road safety—working to protect others. We stand in solidarity with An Garda Síochána and all those mourning his loss.”

Garda Flatley’s local club, O’Dwyers GAA in Balbriggan, said those in the club “are absolutely heartbroken to learn of the sudden, tragic passing of our club member and great friend”.

“Kevin was an absolute gentleman who had a huge part to play in our club, always lending a hand when he could.

“He was always a pleasure to chat to, and his grá for GAA and helping others shone through in every conversation. He was a dedicated coach with our U10 girls’ team, encouraging the players at all times and bringing great energy.”

They passed on their condolences on to Garda Flatley’s wife Una and his two daughters.

Yesterday, the President, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and Justice Minister led tributes to Garda Flatley. He is the ninetieth member of An Garda Síochána to be killed while on active duty, the Commissioner said yesterday.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings and were in the area at the time are urged to share this material with Gardaí – investigators are particularly interested in tracking the movements of a Yamaha R1 motorcycle in the vicinity between noon and the time of the collision, which was shortly before 1pm.

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.