The highly respected officer has been named as Gard Kevin Flatley, age 49, a father of two who was based in the roads policing unit at Dublin Castle.
It is understood the officer was conducting a speed checkpoint on the R132 in the Lanestown area of north Dublin when the collision occurred.
Garda Flatley was critically injured at the scene and pronounced dead a short time later. The motorcyclist, aged in his 30s, also suffered serious injuries.
Several garda units, including the Armed Response Unit could be seen racing to the scene on the Old Swords Road, between Swords and Balbriggan after lunchtime.
A section of road has been cordoned off with emergency services at the scene.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 11th May 2025
In a statement, Garda commissioner Drew Harris paid tribute to Garda Flatley.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of my colleague Garda Kevin Flatley,” he said.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with Kevin’s family and friends.
“We also think of Kevin’s colleagues at the Roads Policing Unit, Dublin Castle.
“Kevin, 49 years of age, has over 26 years of dedicated service to An Garda Síochána and the people of Ireland.
“Garda Kevin Flatley is the 90th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the performance of duty.
“Kevin was on duty this afternoon, serving the public by endeavouring in keeping them safe on our roads.
“His death is a terrible reminder of the dangers faced by Gardaí.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris said it was with “profound shock and sadness” that he learned of Garda Flatley’s death.
“Garda Flatley was a long-serving and much-respected member of An Garda Síochána, devoted to his job and to keeping his community safe. There is no greater example of that than today when he was working to keep the public safe on our roads,” Mr Harris said.
“The untimely loss of Garda Flatley reminds us of the frailty of life and how suddenly loss and grief can be thrust upon us. It is also a tragic reminder of the risks that Gardaí take everyday in the service of our country and its people.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family, his friends, his colleagues in the Roads Policing Unit and all those who loved him.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said he was “deeply shocked” by the news.
“Very sadly, this brave Garda has died in the line of duty, serving and protecting the community. I know his death will bring heartbreak to his family, friends, loved ones and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána across the whole country,” he said.
“The women and men of An Garda Síochána go out to work every day to keep Ireland safe. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves, as they work to shield us from harm and to strengthen our communities.
“As Minister for Justice, I convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to the parents, family and friends of Garda Flatley and indeed to the whole family of An Garda Síochána.”
Gardaí appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
“Shortly before 1pm, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a collision on the R132 in Lanestown, North County Dublin, where a motorcycle struck a member of An Garda Síochána’s Roads Policing Unit while on duty,” the force said in a statement.
“The Garda, a male aged 49, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The motorcyclist, also a male and aged in 30s, was transported by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital for treatment. His condition is understood to be serious.
“The area has been preserved for forensic and technical examination, with traffic diversions currently in place. The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified.
“Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
“Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, and were in the area at the time are urged to provide this material to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, who is also a TD for the area, described the death of the garda in the line of duty as a tragedy.
“My heartfelt thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time,” he said.
“Anyone with information should contact the Gardaí immediately.”
General secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), Ronan Clogher, described the news as “devastating” and called it “a dark day” for An Garda Síochána.
“We are in shock and numbed at the news this afternoon. No garda shift is ever routine, but this one has ended in the most horrendous of circumstances,” he said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. It is not easy for garda colleagues today so please keep them in your thoughts.”
AGSI president Declan Higgins said the association will provide all their support to members, garda colleagues and their families at this tragic time.
He has also appealed to members of the public to heed garda appeals for information. “I would ask the public to respond to calls for any information as they work on this investigation. There will be tough days ahead and we really ask for the public’s support.”
Garda Representative Association president Mark O’Meara said: “As an Association we have been numbed by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the garda family.
“Today our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen member, his wife and children and his family as well as his wide circle of friends and colleagues.
“We have lost a wonderful friend and colleague and he will never be forgotten for what he gave to public service and what he meant to his colleagues.”
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