The Garda Commissioner’s plan to cut road deaths has been described as “knee jerk” by Michael Healy Rae.
Commissioner Drew Harris announced yesterday that members will conduct half an hour of road policing per shift.
The decision comes following the deaths of 63 people so far on Irish roads so far this year and the Road Safety Authority has given their backing to the plan.
However, Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae said he is concerned the practicalities have “not been thought through”.
“The Commissioner is doing this now again as a knee jerk reaction,” he said.
“Has he discussed it with the Gardaí themselves? Did he go to the GRA before he came out with this announcement?
“I don’t know the answer to this but I would presume he didn’t consult with them and why do I presume that?
“Because if there’s one thing that the Garda Commissioner is not good at, it’s not talking to the people who represent the Guards on the ground.”
Instead, Deputy Healy Rae said he wanted to see more of a focus on road maintenance - such as hedge cutting.
Road Traffic Bill
Yesterday, the Seanad passed the Road Traffic Bill.
If signed into law by the President, it will reduce speed limits, reform penalty points and mandate drug testing at the scene of serious crashes.
Main image: Michael Healy Rae. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews
