Recruits to ramp up traffic and foot patrols
By Mary Dennehy
RESOURCES at Tallaght Garda Station have been ramped up ahead of the Christmas period, with 10 new recruits arriving in the station for traffic duties and hi-visibility foot patrols.
This latest batch of new recruits will predominantly work on various traffic duties and cover foot patrols in the Tallaght area for four weeks, after which they will remain in the District and be re-assigned to regular duties.
Some of the new recruits outside Tallaght Garda Station
According to Tallaght District Superintendent Ian Lackey, after the Christmas period five of the new recruits will stay in Tallaght and five will go to Rathfarnham Garda Station.
The 10 recruits brings the number of new officers drafted into the Tallaght District this year to 35.
Speaking with The Echo, Supt Lackey said: “The new recruits will cover the busy Christmas period and after will be re-allocated to regular duties.”
He added that the new recruits will be supporting the delivery of Operation Open City, An Garda Siochana’s Christmas and New Year strategy, here in the Tallaght district.
They will help manage traffic flow and support existing officers with other traffic-related duties such as check-points and parking issues.
They will also be carrying out hi-visibility foot patrols in the Tallaght area.
On the issue of drunk driving, Supt Lackey reminded people never to get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol – and to be mindful of the morning after the night before.
“I would stress to people not to drive if they are in any doubt,” Supt Lackey said.
“Just because you’ve been out the night before doesn’t mean you are fit to drive.
“There’s no discrepancies, if somebody is over, they’re over.”
He added: “I’d also like to issue a message to people on prescription medication, always check that the dose taken does not impact your ability to drive.
“People forget that, they think of drug driving and think of illegal drugs.
“A person could be taking prescription drugs for a very valid reason, but they still need to check if their ability to drive could be impacted.”
Overall, Supt Lackey said that people in general are compliant when it comes to road safety, including speeding and wearing seat belts.
However, mobile phone use continues to be a big issue.
Encouraging motorists to be conscious of their safety and other road users this Christmas, Supt Lackey said: “The roads are busier, there is increased traffic volumes.
“Traffic will be heavy and we’d ask people to be patient.
“This time of the year can be a stressful time and people can get a bit angsty.
“However, we’d encourage people to take their time and to be safe, that’s the main thing.”
