New Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy today vowed to tackle gangland- and drug-related crime during his time in the post.
The former detective, in his first public interview as the head of the force, also signalled plans to target drug traffickers. But he insisted uniformed gardaí will remain unarmed despite a rising gun culture.
"My job will be to ensure people feel safe on the streets and feel safe in their beds, and that's where the Garda Síochána will not let up," he said.
Mr Murphy succeeds Noel Conroy who has retired after more than four decades in the force.
The Cork man was the first chief of the Criminal Assets Bureau, set up just over 10 years ago in the wake of the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin and the killing of Det Garda Jerry McCabe during an armed robbery in Limerick.
"Gangland crime is one area that I'm concerned about," Mr Murphy said. "The murder rate is up this year. One murder is one murder too many, but as far as I'm concerned all the resources of An Garda Síochána will be brought to bear on the gang crime, the drug trafficking problem and any other major areas that arise from time to time."
Mr Murphy, who took up his post on Wednesday, promised a breakthrough in the coming months on unresolved cases involving gangland criminals.
"While the picture might have looked bleak in terms of results, I can assure you that in many of these crimes we are following up the leads, and I look forward to some results in the very near future."
Mr Murphy ruled out arming uniformed gardaí despite debate within the rank and file after the shooting and targeting of members. He said appropriate units in the force would use firearms where necessary.
"My focus will be on maintaining an unarmed uniformed presence," he added.
Appealing for the public's help, Mr Murphy said: "We need to get the help of the community right across the board and I would be appealing to people to help us out," he said.
PA