An Garda Síochána is taking an unprecedented move to enhance community support services during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The force is in the process of hiring up to 210 rental cars to enable members to assist people in need, the elderly, the vulnerable and those in self-isolation.
It is not yet known how many vehicles will be sent to each of the Garda regions across the country.
Deputy Commissioner Twomey stated that “As a community at this time we need more than ever to support the most vulnerable in our society, particularly our elderly and isolated. An Garda Síochána has always worked closely with our communities and we continue to do so in these extraordinary times”.
An Garda Síochána continue to urge families, neighbours and community groups to engage with people in line with ‘social distancing’ guidelines.
As an organisation, Gardaí across the country are being asked to actively identify those persons most at need, particularly those with limited local family or social support. In these cases An Garda Síochána will assist.
The branded ‘contingency’ vehicles will be used to maintain personal interactions and where needed to assist and support people, which may include collecting medical prescriptions, attending hospital appointments and other supports they may need. They are not ‘primary response vehicles’.
An Garda Síochána will also use these opportunities to link identified people into local, national and state services where appropriate. Any person with these concerns for themselves or for a neighbour should contact their local Garda station, Contact details, including email contact, for all Garda stations can be found on the Garda website or in any phonebook.
An Garda Síochána has established a COVID-19 National Co-Ordination Unit operating from Garda Headquarters under Deputy Commissioner Twomey, Policing and Security to co-ordinate and manage a strategic Garda response to this dynamic situation.
