‘We need to protect the Gardaí, who protect us’

The “horrendous act of cowardice” that saw an on-duty garda doused in petrol and a gun pointed at him was a unique incident, a senior policeman has told members of the County Cavan Joint Policing Committee (JPC).

Addressing the JPC online meeting Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern said: “We may not see another incident like this in our lifetime.”

He was referring to the attack on 29-year-old Garda Padraig Scott, from Tulsk, Roscommon, near Loughan House prison at around 2am on February 28, 2022.

Garda Scott was initially treated for a concussion but was released from the hospital and is now recovering at home. A statement from An Garda Síochána press office said: 'He continues to be fully supported by his family, friends and colleagues and is being provided with welfare and any other supports required from the Garda Employee Assistance Service.'

Last Sunday night, March 6, one week from the assault, gardaí carried out a checkpoint on the N16, Loughan, Co Cavan at the scene of this attack.

At the JPC meeting chairman, Cllr John Paul Feeley (FF), spoke on behalf of the members and the wider community when he expressed the hope that Garda Scott “is recovering well”.

Cllr Feeley urged anyone with information who may assist the investigation to bring it to the attention An Garda Síochána to ensure those involved are brought to justice: “I note Garda Scott was at a remove from the main stations. I ask that stations in the area of the attack are given priority when resources are being allocated in the future. This incident highlights the need for greater resources in the area.”

'Deplorable'

Deputy Brendan Smith (FF) described the incident as “deplorable” adding: “It is unbelievable that a person working on the part of us all could be attacked in such a way.”

Adding his voice to the debate Senator Joe O'Reilly (FG) said: “This was horrendous. It's very sad that this despicable, dreadful act took place. We are with the Gardaí on this.”

Cllr Paddy McDonald (SF) asked why it's not policy to ensure that officers do not find themselves in situations like this when they are on their own: “There should be two people in a vehicle if a Garda is called out.”

Cllr Craig Lovett (FF) said the attack highlights the need for more Garda resources in the border area, while Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) contended that Ballyconnell Garda station is “being stood down” and reiterated the belief that gardaí should not attend call outs on their own: “We need to protect the Gardaí, who protect us.”

Cllr Peter McVitty (FG) expressed the hope that “the people who did this are caught and get the full rigours of the law”; while Deputy Niamh Smyth said this emphasised the fact that “the border area is different”. Deputy Smyth said she wrote to the Justice Minister on the matter and would continue to follow up on it.

Chief Supt McGovern thanked the members for their support. He told them that a senior investigator is appointed to examine the incident. He said for operational reasons there was very little he could say on the matter.

The Chief Superintendent said: “Padraig is a uniform unarmed member of An Garda Síochána. He commenced duty as normal on Sunday, February 27, 2022. He was a diligent member of An Garda Síochána going about his normal duties keeping people safe, but as a result of a cowardly attack by unknown criminals he did not finish duty as normal.

“That night Padraig was hospitalised and remains off duty recovering from his injuries and the trauma of this attack.”

'Cowardice'

Chief Supt McGovern added: “We may not see another incident like this in our lifetime” but said it "brings focus onto criminal activity". He described it as “an horrendous act of cowardice” perpetrated on an officer travelling from one station to another.

Appealing for further information, the police chief stated: “The investigation team continue to make progress in this investigation and I want to thank the public for their support and the assistance received to date. I continue to appeal for any person with any information on this attack to contact investigating Gardaí.”

Any member of the public can contact the investigation team at Cavan Garda Station or can provide information through the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111. Any information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Gardaí appeal to any person who was driving on the N16, Cavan, passing Loughan House Prison, or the R206 and R207 at their junction with the N16, between 7pm Sunday, February 27 and 3am Monday, February 28, in particular any person with dashcam footage to contact them.