Appointments to new Roads Policing Unit in Swinford

THE appointment of five gardaí and one sergeant to a new Roads Policing Unit to be based in Swinford is good news for Mayo road users.

The Garda Commissioner has appointed an additional 87 (seven sergeants, 80 gardaí) members to the Roads Policing Units across the country.

A new Roads Policing Unit will be established in Swinford, with a sergeant and five gardaí appointed.

Further appointments will be made nationally in 2019, 2020 and 2021 in order to reach a commitment given by the Garda Commissioner to incrementally increase the numbers in roads policing to 1,031 by 2021.

Said Minister Michael Ring: “The appointment of these six garda personnel will help make our roads safer for all who use them. We are all aware of the impact of bad practices such as speeding and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Roads Policing Unit will help to crack down on this type of behaviour on our roads and act as a deterrent to people who are inclined to drive irresponsibly.

“A key element of the work of the new unit will be to deny criminals the use of the roads network.

“In addition to focusing on the lifesaver offences of speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones and driving under the influence, there will be a significant focus on crime prevention and crime detection.”