Killarney garda honoured for road safety inititative
THE role of a garda is to help create a safer community for all, and one Killarney garda has gone above and beyond to help others by developing a unique road safety programme.
Sergeant Dermot O’Connell of Killarney Garda Station developed a fun and interactive road safety campaign to make it easier for parents and children to understand the safest way to restrain children in cars. The campaign, ‘Operation Páistí’, was initially implemented through the Garda schools programme in Killarney and is now in the process of being expanded across the whole Kerry Garda Division and across the country in conjunction with key road safety organisations.
Last week the Killarney Garda was honoured by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) for this road safety initiative.
The award was presented to Sgt O’Connell by RSA Chairperson Liz O’Donnell at the 11th annual “Leading Lights in Road Safety” Awards at Croke Park. His was among a total of 21 awards presented to individuals and organisations in recognition of their commitment and dedication to road safety at the recent ceremony.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD congratulated all the award winners for their commitment and dedication to making our roads safer.
At the same ceremony Sgt Maurice McCabe, who made headlines as a Garda whistle-blower, was also honoured for his contribution to road safety for all his work in bringing the cancellation of penalty points to light and to bring about reform.