Specialized roads policing in Ireland has seen a significant decline, with the number of gardaí in Roads Policing Units dropping by nearly 40% since 2009. New figures from the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána reveal a reduction of 401 specialized personnel.
The data was released following parliamentary questions submitted by Fine Gael TDs Emer Currie and Michael Murphy. The total number of personnel in these units fell from 1,046 in 2009 to 645 as of March of this year.
Regional Impact and Resource Gaps
The decline is particularly stark in urban areas. Dublin’s units experienced a 45% decrease, resulting in 130 fewer personnel over the period.
In DMR South Central, the reduction reached 59% over 17 years, with 16 fewer specialist roads policing gardaí. This division now consists of 11 gardaí operating two road policing vehicles.
Other regions have seen similar trends, with Sligo/Leitrim falling from 34 gardaí in 2009 to 14 this year. Conversely, Limerick was the only county that did not see a decrease, recording one more garda in its unit than in 2009.
Advocacy Concerns and Official Response
Susan Gray, founder of the group PARC which represents those who have lost loved ones in fatal traffic collisions, described the declining numbers as “heartbreaking.” Gray stated that the former garda commissioner “failed” to address the issue after telling an Oireachtas committee two years ago that he would do so.
“They haven’t got the resources they need to make the roads safer. We need them and they are being depleted,” Gray said.
In response, An Garda Síochána stated that there is no organizational policy to reduce numbers in these units. A spokesperson noted that over 80 members have been allocated to these units in the last 18 months, marking the largest allocation of new personnel to any specialist unit in the last year.
Operational Shifts and Future Outlook
An Garda Síochána emphasized that officers outside of full-time Roads Policing Units still enforce road-traffic offences daily. Last year, these non-full-time personnel were responsible for 80% of checkpoints, 65% of vehicle detentions, and over 60% of DUI detections.
Despite these figures, Deputy Garda Commissioner Shawna Coxon admitted during an Oireachtas Committee on Transport last October that the service had not achieved the desired “significant uplift” in roads policing numbers.
Moving forward, An Garda Síochána may deploy additional members to “priority areas” as they become available, though they must continue to balance this against other organizational policies and demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many specialized roads policing gardaí were lost since 2009?
There has been a reduction of 401 specialized gardaí, with numbers falling from 1,046 in 2009 to 645 in March of this year.
Which region saw the highest percentage decrease in personnel?
DMR South Central saw a decrease of 59% over 17 years.
How does An Garda Síochána justify the reduction in full-time unit numbers?
The organization states that all gardaí play a role in enforcement; last year, non-full-time personnel carried out 80% of checkpoints and over 60% of DUI detections.
Do you believe specialized units are more effective for road safety than a general enforcement approach?
