Gardaí are set to begin specialist vehicle pursuit training before the end of 2026 following collaboration with Devon and Cornwall Police and the UK College of Policing.
Garda management began working with an expert training provider last year to develop a programme for driving instructors at the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary. Under a train-the-trainer approach, Garda instructors will eventually be able to provide pursuit training independently to other members of An Garda Síochána.
A Garda spokesperson said instructors travelled to Devon and Cornwall Police in early 2025 to observe its pursuit training and assess whether it met the requirements of An Garda Síochána. The first of three training stages subsequently began.
In 2026, driving experts from Devon and Cornwall Police travelled to the Garda College to continue training Garda instructors. Once the programme is completed, the college is expected to become self-sufficient in training further instructors, allowing vehicle pursuit training for gardaí to begin before the end of the year.
The development follows the deaths of five teenage boys in a two-car collision on the M9 at Moone, Co Kildare, last Sunday. The car carrying the teenagers had been travelling in the wrong direction on the motorway. Three women and a seven-year-old boy travelling in the second vehicle, all from Carlow, are receiving hospital treatment.
Labour TD Alan Kelly said it was difficult to understand why Gardaí had not received specialist pursuit training sooner. He said properly trained officers needed legal protection, suitable vehicles and technology to carry out pursuits safely and effectively.
Deputy Kelly also raised concerns about land purchased near Templemore around 20 years ago for vehicle and other Garda training. He said the Government should clarify whether the site will now be used for its intended purpose.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has also called for urgent action. Deputy General Secretary Kevin Bolger said Garda members and control-room supervisors are often required to make difficult decisions during pursuits and need clear training and legal protections.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has said legislation is being prepared to strengthen Garda protections in relation to vehicle pursuits, with pressure growing for the training programme and legal measures to be introduced without further delay.
