THE GARDA Commissioner has deplored an arson attack on a speed detection van which was set on fire in Co Wicklow with the man operating the speed checks still inside.
The GoSafe detection van was on the old N11 between Arklow and Gorey on Sunday evening. The incident occurred about 7.30pm but the operator escaped injury. However, the vehicle was badly damaged.
Two people wearing balaclavas were seen running from the scene.
Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan condemned the attack.
“GoSafe are working on a daily basis to assist An Garda Síochána in reducing speed-related collisions and stopping loss of life and serious injury on our roads,” he said. “Their work at the side of the country’s roads helps to save many in our communities . . . It is so wrong that this vital work directed at making our community safer for everyone should be the subject of such mindless attack. We are fortunate that no one was injured in Sunday’s incident and I want to condemn it in the strongest terms.”
This is not the first attack on a speed detection van. In November, the occupant of a van narrowly escaped when it was set ablaze on the road between Carrickmacross and Dundalk.
Detectives investigating that incident believe it was carried out by a gang with close links to dissident republicans.
In 2009, a garda had a narrow escape when the vehicle in which he was monitoring traffic was set alight in Blarney, Co Cork.
Attacks have also taken place on fixed speed cameras on the N4 outside Kells, and the M1 motorway north of Dublin.
Gardaí in Gorey are appealing for anyone who saw anything unusual or suspicious in and around the Citroen Relay van to contact them.
The vehicle was parked about one kilometre south of Arklow on the old N11 Gorey road.