23/08/2019

RSA Seeks Meeting Over Garda Restructuring Plans

The Roads Safety Authority (RSA) has said the future vision of An Garda Síochána will effectively downgrade road safety as it omits to identify Roads Policing as one of the four key focus areas.

The RSA is seeking an urgent meeting with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris over concerns regarding yesterday's announcement.

Plans to restructure the force include increasing front-line officers, with a more localised service within communities and maximised operational impact.

While the RSA welcomed the future plans, it also hit out at the lack of reference to Roads Policing, which "should be given the same prioritisation as the 4 functional areas identified".

In a statement released on Thursday, an RSA spokesperson said: "These new organisational changes appear to signify a disappointing demotion and devaluing of roads policing and related road safety.

"These changes in roads policing risk unravelling much of the success Ireland has achieved in terms of reducing road fatalities and serious injuries on our roads and are counterproductive to the objectives of the Government Road Safety Strategy.

"We urge Commissioner Harris to ensure road safety remains a strategic priority within An Garda Síochána and to effectively resource road safety enforcement to save lives."



(JG/CM)

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