Horsing around on Irish roads will cause death
Garda warning after officers’ car trampled
TODAY we could be looking at two garda fatalities due to what may seem like an innocuous event – a stray horse.
The picture of their car after the animal trampled it tells its own story.
Stray, untamed horses are extremely dangerous when they make their way on to roadways or public areas.
They are an ongoing issue for gardai and the public in Limerick city and other urban areas.
The GRA is now calling for a complete ban on all horses grazing within city boundaries whether in Limerick, Galway, Cork or Dublin.
This is a matter which must now be prioritised by Government and councils. Owners must recognise that with the right to own animals comes responsibility.
Rural areas, particularly border counties, are now also suffering the blight of car-ramming.
On Tuesday morning, gardai attempted to stop a vehicle in Carrigart, Co Donegal.
SPEED
The vehicle took off at speed and officers followed. The offending car reversed at gardai numerous times causing extensive damage.
The three officers – all fathers of young kids – escaped with minor injuries.
Lack of budgets in areas such as Carrigart sometimes means a single patrol car will cover a huge area.
Anti-social behaviour, coupled with dangerous drivers has long been a challenge in Donegal with two young gardai having lost their lives in such incidents.
We need to be physically protected with body cameras and tasers but our mental well-being must also be considered with occupational stress supports.
However, officers also need to be resourced.
We know a lack of funding – particularly for rural gardai – means elevated stress, as they cannot adequately protect themselves and the public from either loose horses, car ramming or anti-social behaviour – to name but three.
If the new Commissioner Drew Harris can begin to protect gardai adequately with proper equipment, comprehensive training and resourcing, he will protect not just our officers but also the public whom they serve.
We are calling for a ban on all horses grazing in city areas john O’KEEFFE GARDA REPRESENTATIVE ASSOC.