AN INCIDENT in Kilrush has been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) after a young boy was allegedly knocked down by an official Garda vehicle.

During a search operation at a residence in John Paul Estate in Kilrush, a single vehicle road traffic collision occurred which involved a young boy in Sycamore Drive.

The Clare Echo understands the incident happened as an on-duty Garda vehicle prepared to carry out the operation. The boy was taken to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) to be treated for injuries.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána has confirmed that the matter has been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) “as a matter of course”. The spokesperson confirmed, “During this search an official Garda vehicle was involved in a single rtc involving a juvenile pedestrian in Sycamore Drive, Kilrush. The juvenile was taken to University Hospital Limerick to be treated for their injuries”.

Gardaí seized a small quantity of suspected cannabis during the search. No arrests have been made investigations are ongoing.

GSOC or the Garda Ombudsman is the independent, statutory agency that deals with complaints from the general public about members of An Garda Síochána. It was established under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Ombudsman replaced the Garda Síochána Complaints Board from May 2007, but has a substantially expanded role.

Retired Chief Superintendent of the Clare Garda Division, John Kerin in 2016 criticised the process whereby Gardaí have to investigate each other when complaints relating to garda discipline are made to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. He said he was aware of incidents where false allegations were made to GSOC against members of the force in the county.