LAST UPDATE | 11 May

AN ON DUTY garda has been killed in a road incident in north county Dublin, while a civilian motorcyclist also injured is in a serious condition in hospital.

The collision, near Swords, happened shortly after lunchtime when the Garda and his colleague were conducting a speed enforcement checkpoint.

The incident involved a civilian motorcyclist who was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

In a statement Commissioner Drew Harris named the deceased as Garda Kevin Flatley.

He was stationed in Dublin Castle and was attached to the Garda National Road Policing Unit.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of my colleague Garda Kevin Flatley.

“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with Kevin’s family and friends. We also think of Kevin’s colleagues at the Roads Policing Unit, Dublin Castle.

“Kevin, 49 years of age, has over 26 years of dedicated service to An Garda Síochána and the people of Ireland,” he said.

The Commissioner said that Garda Flatley is the 90th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the performance of duty.

“Kevin was on duty this afternoon, serving the public by endeavouring in keeping them safe on our roads.

“His death is a terrible reminder of the dangers faced by Gardaí. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said this evening ,“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Garda Kevin Flatley who lost his life while on duty in north Dublin today.

“Our gardaí serve with courage and dedication each and every day to keep the public safe and to prevent crime.

“The loss of a garda while on duty will be keenly felt by those who knew him, in communities across Ireland and by all members of An Garda Síochána.”

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Garda Flatley this evening, saying that his thoughts were with those who knew and cared for the 49-year-old.

A garda spokesman has appealed for witnesses in a statement.

“Shortly before 1pm, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a collision on the R132 in Lanestown, North County Dublin, where a motorcycle struck a member of An Garda Síochána’s Roads Policing Unit while on duty.

“The Garda, a male aged 49, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The motorcyclist, also a male and aged in 30s, was transported by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital for treatment. His condition is understood to be serious.

“The area has been preserved for forensic and technical examination, with traffic diversions currently in place. The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified,” the statement read.

‘Sudden and devastating loss’

Mark O’Meara, who is President of the Garda Representative Association spoke of the group’s shock at the news. 

“As an Association we have been 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.

“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. 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,” he said.

AGSI President Declan Higgins said the AGSI will provide all their support to members, Garda colleagues and their families at this tragic time.

He has also appealed to members of the public to heed Garda appeals for information.

“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 added.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said he was “deeply shocked” by the death of 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.

“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.

“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 Síochána,” he said. 

Tánaiste Simon Harris commended the deceased for his contribution to An Garda Síochána, saying, “Garda Flatley was a long-serving and much-respected member of An Garda Síochána, devoted to his job and to keeping his community safe.

“There is no greater example of that than today when he was working to keep the public safe on our roads.

“The untimely loss of Garda Flatley reminds us of the frailty of life and how suddenly loss and grief can be thrust upon us. It is also a tragic reminder of the risks that Gardaí take everyday in the service of our country and its people.”

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher of the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) said that he wanted to extend “heartfelt condolences” on behalf of the PSNI to Garda Flatley’s loved ones.

“The loss of an officer is felt across the entire policing family and our thoughts are with his family, friends and An Garda Síochána colleagues at this difficult time.

“Kevin’s death is a stark reminder of the risks that police officers face every day as they work to protect the public and keep people safe.

“His dedication, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Sinn Féin’s Justice spokesperson Matt Carthy also paid tribute to Garda Flatley.