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Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Probe claims some gardai policing roads are 'demotivated and unconcerned'
Some gardai tasked with roads policing duties in Ireland are 'unproductive' and appear 'demotivated and unconcerned' with doing an effective, professional job, a report has found. While the independent review of Roads Policing found that a majority of Garda members involved in the work were productive and professional, it highlighted issues with poor productivity and behaviour among a 'noticeable' minority. The Crowe Report said members who were 'disinterested' in the job were able to 'get away with such behaviour' to the 'frustration' of their colleagues, supervisors and managers. The review by consultancy firm Crowe was commissioned by the Garda amid an increased focus on road safety in Ireland in recent years. The Government recently introducing new speed laws and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has mandated that frontline gardai dedicate 30 minutes of road policing duties per shift. The review assessed the effectiveness of the Garda's Roads Policing Units (RPUs). Its findings are based on visits to RPUs within six Garda divisions in Ireland. It concluded there is currently a lack of 'effective sanctions' for poor performance, with supervisors and managers 'typically apprehensive' that any attempt to sanction a garda would create industrial relations problems with the Garda Representative Association (GRA). The report said the heart of problem appeared to lie in the interpretation of the Garda's Performance, Accountability and Learning Framework (Palf) – with the policy thought to be inhibiting Garda supervisors and managers from 'proactively managing' and evaluating the performance of individual RPU members. Assistant commissioner roads policing and community engagement Paula Hilman said described the findings as 'stark' and said it made for 'difficult reading'. Ms Hilman said the findings of the report is also 'devastating' to garda colleagues. 'The calls I have had since the initial findings of the report were published, it's unsatisfactory. It's devastating to us. It's unacceptable,' she said on Thursday. She said it is also devastating for the families of victims who have been killed on Irish roads and those who have been seriously injured. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week 'We engage with those organisations who represent or work with people who have lost loved ones, or have been seriously injured. We totally understand how they feel,' she added. 'We will continue with that engagement with all those groups, because, equally, they are supportive of what they know we want to do, but we need to undoubtedly deal with the small minority of individuals and culture that has been identified in the report.' Deputy commissioner Shawna Coxon said: 'It's completely unacceptable for the member doing it, and it's completely unacceptable that it hasn't been identified and dealt with by our supervisors. 'We have new performance regulations as of this year, that is new for An Garda Siochana. Many people may not know that, so this is something that we're looking at across the whole organisation, how to more effectively use those new performance regulations to be able to deal with this behaviour.' Ms Hilman added: 'Our human resources department are also looking right across the Palf policy. There's two things, the performance regulations that came into effect in April with the new legislation, but also how we're interpreting that policy. 'Undoubtedly working really closely with HR, the work we need to do to support our supervisors that they feel empowered and equipped to be able to deal with the issues that they are seeing within their teams.' She said a steering group has also been set up to oversee changes within the force. An immediate review of the Palf is one of several recommendations made by the reviewers. They said a more effective reporting and governance structure for RPU may also need to be considered by the Garda. The report found no evidence of a systematic, organised culture of work avoidance or deliberately poor performance within Roads Policing and also found no evidence of bullying or dominance of RPU members by their colleagues. However, it said the absence of 'effective supervision and management' – caused in 'large measure' by the interpretation of the Palf policy – had resulted in a culture of concerning work practices taking root. The report also highlighted issues with significant numbers of vacancies within RPUs, with numbers down by 40% on 2009. The review said there also appeared to have been a lack of investment in vehicles and equipment in recent years. GRA President Mark O'Meara said: "The publication of this report simply reflects the concerns and challenges that we at the Garda Representative Association have been highlighting for years. "A depleted Roads Policing Unit, lacking in proper training, resources and equipment has been effectively mismanaged and contaminated while morale is on the floor. "Despite all these challenges, this report states clearly that the majority of RPU members are productive, professional and focused on improving road safety, which is a testament to the work that they do. "The Garda Commissioner and the Chair of the PSCA in my view showed utter contempt and disregard for the integrity of these members by making comments that questioned the professionalism of the entire unit when drip leaking certain lines before the Crowe Report was published which gave an unfair slant to the entire findings. "This report concluded that while some members were demotivated by their working environment, they remained professional and productive and it found no evidence of work avoidance or deliberate poor performance. "This report refers to just six Divisions and only a small number of RPU were engaged with. The unfair leaking of selected quotes from this report caused a public outcry. It was not only damaging to members of Roads Policing units, but as referred to by the Commissioner, his supervisors and managers were unable or afraid to deal with those members. "The Garda Representative Association completely refutes such allegations. We work closely with supervisors and managers within An Garda Síochána and find those ranks to be competent and dedicated and it is an insult and an affront to all those that these allegations have been carelessly levied on all ranks. "Commissioner Harris had been in his position for over six years when he received the report from a whistleblower, and failed to remedy the matter if it did indeed exist, and moreover he employed an independent review by Crowe, thus abdicating his responsibility as Garda Commissioner. "This is not the first time our Commissioner had levied allegations against our members, however, it is the first time that the Garda Commissioner has apportioned unjust blame on all ranks below him of incompetence, inability and disinterest. "On behalf of our Association who represents rank and file members of An Garda Síochána, it must be abundantly clear as to why our members voted 98.7% in the vote of no confidence against him. "We at the Garda Representative Association have long highlighted the concerns and issues correctly highlighted in the Crowe report, and I firmly believe that this report justifiably apportions blame where it actually should be, and that is with Commissioner Drew Harris, and is more damning of him than the members of RPU. "He has failed to address many, if not most of the issues we have repeatedly raised and instead, he has abdicated his responsibility in dealing with the allegations he raised and alleged, with damaging comments to the members of Roads Policing but also most distressing and damaging to members of the public. "Unfortunately, the Commissioner chose to release this report, which he has had since March of this year, just two weeks before he retires, causing division and adding further anger not just to GRA members but also to other ranks within Garda Síochána." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Journal
2 days ago
- The Journal
Major traffic policing report: Inquiry team 'shocked' by lack of interest in job of some gardaí
A REPORT RELEASED today has revealed that a 'significant cohort' of roads policing gardaí show low productivity, general disinterest and make an effort to avoid work. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said more needs to be done to tackle underperformance, after a report found some traffic gardaí 'deliberately' ignoring offences. There were many highly-motivated gardaí, but a minority had little interest in their jobs, according to the Crowe report , which contains the findings of an independent inquiry. The inquiry team was 'quite shocked' at how open some gardaí were about their 'lack of interest' in their job. Some gardaí had their Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems switched off or not working properly, including one patrol car in which the system's field of vision was obscured by the rear-view mirror. ANPR automatically detects speeding, while also telling gardaí if the vehicle is untaxed, stolen or suspect. Garda management 'disappointed' Harris said there needs to be a collective effort to deal with underperformance. 'While [the inquiry team] found the majority of Roads Policing Gardaí were professional, dedicated and productive, they also met a significant cohort of officers who are disinterested, have a poor work ethic and deliberately ignored offences,' he said. 'This is very disappointing, as the fact that some Roads Policing Gardaí had no issue with openly outlining to the researcher how they go about avoiding work.' Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman and Deputy Commissioner Shawna Coxon at the report's launch today Lauren Boland Lauren Boland Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said the report's findings on productivity made for 'difficult reading'. Advertisement 'It's not systemic, but it is significant numbers [of gardaí] that we need to deal with.' She said that the 'majority' of road policing gardaí are 'dedicated, professional and productive'. Deputy Commissioner Shawna Coxon did not directly answer when a reporter asked if inadequate supervision has cost lives. 'This is a whole of organisation approach. What's not covered in this report is how checkpoints and enforcements are in many cases being done by non-road policing units,' she said. Coxon said roads policing is taken seriously across all of An Garda Síochána. 'If the number [of fatalities] was one, we'd still be taking it seriously.' She added that some supervisors want to improve performance, but 'don't know how'. 'Supervisors may have felt discipline was too harsh.' Coxon said there's no way to know if anyone has been sanctioned over the report's revelations, as the findings don't identify members. The Crowe team engaged with over 100 members of An Garda Síochána. The report also found that there were a 'significant number of vacancies' in roads policing. There are 40% fewer members in the units now than there were in 2009. It also said that vacancies at supervisor level in particular are a problem. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Daily Mirror
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dublin city's first static speed camera set to come into operation this week
Gardaí have announced that a new static speed road safety camera is due to become operational in Co Dublin later this week. The new Static Safety Camera - the first ever to be located within the Dublin City Council area - will be in place alongside the Maxol garage on the Crumlin Road in Dolphin's Barn, Dublin 12 and will commence operation from 12pm midday on Friday (August 1). The camera will monitor cars and other road users' speed on the busy national road and will be in operation in both directions. It means that vehicles detected driving in excess of the posted speed limit will be subject to prosecution from 12 midday on Friday, and motorists have been warned that there is a major fine if they're caught going over the speed limit. Drivers clocked travelling in excess of the speed limit will be issued with a Fixed Charge Notice. The current Fixed Charge Notice is a €160 fine accompanied by three penalty points. The camera will monitor cars and other road users' speed on the busy road and will be in operation in both directions (Image: National Motor Museum/) According to Gardaí, Dolphin's Barn was identified as part of a wider national analysis as being a road which could benefit from the implementation of a safety camera. "The location was selected based on fatal and serious injury collision data from the last seven years and speed data, as well as feedback from stakeholders," a Garda spokesperson said in a statement. A static safety camera is placed in one location and measures the motorist's speed at that one particular point along the road. Static safety cameras have been proven internationally to reduce speeding, which is one of the main contributors to road deaths. Previously, Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman, said: "Static speed safety cameras have been proven in other countries to be highly effective in changing driver behaviour and reducing speed, which is a key contributor to road deaths. "Speed cameras slow drivers down. The lower speeds people drive at, the lower the number of road deaths.' Dublin City Council (DCC) has said it is "pleased to see the introduction by An Garda Síochána of the first ever static speed camera within the Council area". "The Council worked closely with An Garda Síochána to facilitate the installation and initial operation of the camera," a DCC spokesperson said. "The Static Safety Camera, which is located in Dolphin's Barn, will commence operation from Friday 1st August 2025. "Dublin City Council will continue to work together with An Garda Síochána on road safety and measures which can help to improve road safety for all." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Irish Post
03-06-2025
- Irish Post
Shooting at Carlow shopping centre was ‘terrifying experience'
A FATAL shooting in a shopping centre in Co. Carlow has been described as a 'terrifying experience' for everyone present. Gardaí were called to Fairgreen Shopping Centre at around 6.15pm on June 1 after receiving reports of gunshots being fired. The suspect, a white Irish man in his 20s, fired a shotgun several times as he walked through the centre, the police force has since confirmed. He left the centre and was confronted by armed, plain clothed officers, and later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Garda from the forensic technical unit pictured at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre following the incident At a press conference, Garda Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said no one was injured by the shots fired in the centre, but a young girl, who was there with her family, suffered a minor leg injury after falling while running from the scene. 'This was meant to be a normal day out on a bank holiday weekend and it was a terrifying experience for every person present in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre that evening,' Asst Comm Hilman said. 'We continue to investigate all the circumstance of this serious incident,' she added. The police force has urged anyone with footage from the incident not to share it on social media. 'We once again urge anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident not to share it on social media or messaging apps, but instead to provide it directly to the investigating team,' she said. 'Anyone present at Fairgreen Shopping Centre between approximately 6pm and 6.25pm on Sunday, June 1 is asked to contact the incident room at Carlow garda station,' she added. Garda Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman addresses the press conference Asst Comm Hilman also paid tribute to those who responded to the incident. 'I would like to acknowledge the management and the business community of Fairgreen Shopping Centre for their assistance and support to the public on June 1, and to acknowledge the assistance of the local emergency services and defence forces for their professionalism and assistance,' she said. 'I specifically want to highlight the response of local Garda who, on receipt of a call of a very dangerous incident, immediately responded to protect their community. 'Their courage was exemplary,' she added. 'We are also very aware that there is a family coming to terms with the loss of their loved one at this time and we appeal for privacy for the family.' See More: Carlow, Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Shooting
Leader Live
02-06-2025
- Leader Live
Man who died in supermarket shooting incident fired in the air as shoppers fled
Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman said the suspect, a white Irish man aged in his 20s, then shot himself outside the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow town after being challenged by armed gardai. The man, named locally as Evan Fitzgerald, aged in his 20s, from Kiltegan in Co Wicklow, had appeared in court last year along with two others on firearms offences. It is understood he had been facing an imminent further court appearance. By Monday evening, a technical examination of the car park scene had concluded, but the scene remained held and the Fairgreen Shopping Centre remained closed. Ms Hilman said the incident on Sunday evening was a 'terrifying experience' for shoppers who fled the building when the gunman starting shooting in the air. Speaking to media at Carlow Garda Station on Monday, the assistant commissioner confirmed that no one else was injured by any of the shots fired. She said a young girl sustained a minor leg injury when she fell while running from the centre. Earlier, the scene of the fatality outside the Tesco store was declared safe after an examination by Irish army explosives officers. Gardai had called the bomb disposal experts to the scene after observing a bottle containing an unknown substance on the body of the dead man. Irish premier, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, said he was 'deeply shocked and saddened' at the incident. Ms Hilman said gardai attended the incident after receiving multiple reports of shots being fired in the shopping centre around 6.15pm. 'Gardai responded to the scene and met a large number of people running from the shopping centre,' she told reporters. 'An unarmed uniform unit arriving at the scene observed the suspect exiting the shopping centre. 'The suspect discharged a firearm – a shotgun – into the air. 'Another plain clothes armed garda unit responding drew their official firearms and identified themselves as armed gardai. 'The suspect discharged the firearm again, self-inflicting a fatal wound. 'No member of An Garda Siochana discharged a weapon. 'An Garda Siochana now understands that the lone male had walked through the shopping centre and had discharged the firearm, into the air, on a number of occasions. 'No person was injured by the shots discharged. 'A young girl, in the shopping centre with her parents, suffered a minor leg injury when she fell while running from the scene. 'This was meant to be a normal day out on a bank holiday weekend. This was a terrifying experience for every person that was present in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre yesterday evening.' The body of the man was removed from the scene on Monday afternoon, and taken to the mortuary in Dublin. A post mortem is to be carried out by the State Pathologist tomorrow. Ms Hilman added: 'I would like to acknowledge the management and business community of the Fairgreen Shopping Centre for their assistance and support to the public yesterday evening. 'I also want to acknowledge the assistance of all the emergency services yesterday evening, local fire brigade, ambulance services and the Defence Forces for their professionalism and assistance. 'I specifically want to highlight the response of local Garda members, who on receipt of a call of a very dangerous incident immediately responded to protect their community. Their courage was exemplary. 'An Garda Siochana is conscious that this serious incident has an impact on the local community and local Garda management will work with the local community, business community and other state agencies in the coming days to help the community come to terms with this incident. 'An Garda Siochana is also very aware that there is a family grieving the death of their loved one at this time and An Garda Siochana appeals for privacy for the family.' An incident room has been established at Carlow Garda Station, with a senior investigating officer (SIO) appointed to lead the investigation. The Garda said a family liaison officer was providing support to the dead man's family. Local Fine Gael councillor Fergal Browne said people in the town had been left terrified. 'People were obviously terrified, a bank holiday Sunday, going into town to do their shopping,' he told the PA news agency. 'People ran from the centre crying and upset. 'There was a bunch of foreign students in the area, who could not believe they were caught up in the middle of all of it.' Mr Browne added: 'It's very upsetting for everyone who was involved in it or who witnessed it.' Gardai have appealed for witnesses to come forward. They have also urged anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead provide it directly to the investigating team.
