This article is from page 6 of the 2006-03-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
A GARDA traffic unit focusing on the east Clare area is to be established in Killaloe within weeks, The Clare People has learned.
The unit, consisting of a sergeant and five gardaí, will compliment the existing Garda Traffic Corps, which is based in Ennis and covers the county.
The establishment of the unit will be paralleled by an increase in size of the traffic corps, based in Ennis, will also be increased in size. All of the changes are due to be finalised by June.
Garda sources say the establishment of the unit in Killaloe follows the increasing number of serious road crashes in that area over the past few years. Traffic members will also clamp down on a spate of crime in the area in recent months.
Overall, the Garda Traffic Corps in the division is to double in size by the end of next year.
This comes amid figures, which show a dramatic increase in the number of drivers arrested for drink driving, across the division. The number of drivers caught speeding is also on the increase.
“It was decided to locate the new unit in Killaloe, given the number of serious accidents there last year. We feel it is needed there,” said a Garda spokesman.
“It is hoped that this will create more visibility in rural areas. Traffic enforcement and crime prevention are the two main aims. The area has been susceptible to burglaries over the past 18 months in particular,” he added.
“There have been quite a number of fatal accidents on the N7 Limerick to Dublin road over the past year and we believe Killaloe would be an appropriate place to locate a second section of the traffic unit,” he said.
East Clare Councillor Paschal Fitzgerald (Lab) welcomed the decision to set up the unit in Killaloe, saying it was a necessary move.
“It is about time. We have been waiting for this for a long time. Speeding is an issue all over the country and it is great to see an initiative being taken,” he said.
He expressed hope that the increased Garda presence may assist in the fight against spiralling crime in the area, most notably burglaries.
“There are only three gardaí in Ardnacrusha. It is great to see the extra gardaí being put in the area. Visibility is important. Hopefully these gardaí will be seen in the housing estates,” he said.