Fiosrú statement following receipt of S.203 referral 21 February 2026

Fiosrú, Office of the Police Ombudsman, received a referral from An Garda Síochána on Saturday, 21 February 2026.

The referral was made by a Garda Superintendent under section 203(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

The referral was made as a result of an incident which involved the death of an individual in the Waterford Division.

Fiosrú’s on call team of investigators have attended the scene, and the team will continue to engage with the family concerned.

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.’