Law « Thurles Information

A Sharp Decline In Roads Policing Gardaí, Raises Safety Concerns.

New figures released by the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána show that the number of Garda members assigned to Roads Policing Units has fallen by almost 40% since 2009. The total number of specialist personnel dropped from 1,046 to 645 by March this year; a reduction of 401 officers dedicated to policing Irish roads.

Dublin experienced some of the steepest declines, with roads policing numbers nearly halving over the period. One Dublin division recorded a 59% drop, leaving just 11 specialist Gardaí and two road policing vehicles covering the area.

Other regions also saw significant reductions, including Sligo/Leitrim, where staffing levels fell from 34 officers to 14. Limerick was the only area to record a slight increase in personnel since 2009.

Road safety advocacy groups described the falling numbers as deeply concerning, warning that reduced enforcement capacity impacts road safety efforts nationwide. Campaigners said roads policing units are struggling due to limited resources and staffing pressures, and believe enforcement on Irish roads has been weakened at a time when offences are increasing. Recent figures show that more than 211,000 vehicles on Irish roads were uninsured or unregistered last year, roughly one in every 15 vehicles nationwide.
Despite Gardaí carrying out over one million vehicle checks during the first three months of 2026, more than 5,000 vehicles were still seized for having no insurance during that short period alone. Thousands of additional summonses were also issued.

In response, An Garda Síochána stated that all Garda members contribute to road traffic enforcement, including those outside dedicated Roads Policing Units. According to the organisation, non-specialist personnel accounted for a majority of DUI detections, vehicle detentions, and checkpoints carried out last year.

The force also said there is no policy aimed at reducing roads policing numbers and noted that more than 80 new members have been assigned to roads policing duties over the past 18 months. However, Garda management acknowledged that staffing increases have not yet delivered the “significant uplift” desired in roads policing capacity

Thieves Target West Thurles Area In Early-Morning Raid.

Residents in Thurles are being urged to remain vigilant and ensure all vehicles are locked and parked in secure areas, following a spate of thefts on the west side of the town over the weekend.

It is understood that the thieves targeted several cars during the early hours, in particular checking vehicles for access. In at least one incident, the contents of a car boot were emptied, with expensive items reportedly stolen.

The suspects are alleged to have been operating as a pair shortly before 2:00am on the morning in question.

Local residents are now being asked to check their CCTV for suspicious activity and are warned not to leave valuables in vehicles and to report any suspicious activity immediately to Gardaí.

Gardaí are reminding motorists in particular to:

► Always lock vehicles, even when parked outside their homes.
► Remove valuables and expensive equipment from cars.
► Park vehicles in well-lit or secure locations where possible.
► Stay alert to unusual activity in residential areas late at night.

Anyone with information over last weekend is asked to contact An Garda Síochána at Thurles Garda Station on 0504 251.

Looking For A Career With Purpose, Challenge, And Real Impact ?

A career that challenges you, rewards you, and gives you the opportunity to make a real difference every single day.

An Garda Síochána has officially launched its latest recruitment campaign, with applications now open until June 3rd at 3:00pm. Whether your interests lie in community policing, roads policing, detective work, cybercrime, the dog unit, public order, or specialist support units, policing today offers a wide range of exciting and meaningful career paths.

Successful applicants will receive professional training at the Garda College, gain valuable qualifications, and join a modern organisation dedicated to protecting and supporting communities across Ireland.
The campaign also highlights the importance of diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

If you are looking for a career with purpose, teamwork, progression, and the chance to positively impact people’s lives, this could be the opportunity for you.

Apply now through Garda.ie or PublicJobs.ie before the closing date.

Government Announces Tougher Litter & Dog Fouling Fines.

Government Announces Tougher Litter and Dog Fouling Fines in New Anti-Dumping Drive.

Fines for littering and dog fouling will increase by €100 from the beginning of September as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal dumping and environmental offences, Minister of State for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon will announce today.

The increase will see on-the-spot fines rise from €150 to €250, with the Government aiming to strengthen enforcement measures and encourage cleaner communities across the country.

The Government will also invest €3 million in anti-dumping initiatives for local authorities nationwide, supporting more than 200 projects this year. Funding will assist councils with CCTV monitoring, clean-up operations, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced enforcement activity.

The initiative is designed to deter littering and illegal dumping while improving environmental standards in towns, cities, and rural communities.

Since the Anti-Dumping Initiative was established in 2017, funded projects have resulted in the removal of more than 26,000 tonnes of waste nationwide.

Fatal Road Collision Claims Life Of Young Woman In Co Tipperary.

A woman aged in her 20s has sadly died following a two-vehicle road traffic collision in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

The collision occurred on the Nenagh to Dromineer Road (R495) at approximately 9:00pm, last night Tuesday, 12th May 2026.

The woman, who was driving one of the vehicles involved, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has since been removed to University Hospital Limerick, where a post-mortem examination will take place.

The road remains closed to facilitate a technical examination by Garda forensic collision investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who was travelling on the Nenagh to Dromineer Road between 8:15pm and 9:45pm on Tuesday, May 12th, to come forward.

Road users with camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, are asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station Tel: 067 50450, the Garda Confidential Line Tel: 1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda station.