Fiosrú statement following receipt of S.203 referral 16 August 2026

Fiosrú, Office of the Police Ombudsman received a referral from An Garda Síochána on 16 August, 2026.
 
The referral was made following a Fatal Road Traffic Incident on the M9.
 
One of Fiosrú’s on call team of investigators attended the scene and its independent investigation is ongoing.
 
In line with its statutory remit, Fiosrú’s investigation relates to incidents involving contact with gardaí where a member of the public has died or been seriously injured.
 
A referral does not necessarily mean a garda or gardaí have been accused of wrongdoing.
 
Instead, it means that Fiosrú should independently investigate the incident to ascertain whether or not the act or omission of a garda or gardaí may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.
 
As the matter is now under investigation, pursuant to section 208(1)(b) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, Fiosrú cannot make any further comment.
 
Editor’s Note:
 
Section 203(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, 2024 provides for the referral to Fiosrú any matter concerning death of, or serious harm to, a person.
 
‘The Garda Commissioner shall, subject to subsection (2), without delay, refer to the Police Ombudsman any matter that appears to the Garda Commissioner to indicate that the act or omission of a member of garda personnel may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.’