The depleted Garda Traffic Corps has managed to hang on to only around 80 of the 150 extra personnel it was assigned in 2018, the Irish Examiner understands. According to a Garda Inspectorate report earlier this month, the Garda Traffic Corps (renamed Road Policing Units) saw its strength cut from 994 in 2011 to 666 in 2018. Garda figures show road fatalities fell from 279 in 2008 to 162 in 2012, rising to 188 in 2013 and 193 in 2014. The Irish Examiner understands the 150 additional officers assigned to road policing in 2018 translated into a net increase of around 80. The renamed Road Policing Unit was to reflect a wider remit than just traffic, including crime detection.

Source: Irish Examiner December 31, 2018 05:48 UTC