The Garda Commissioner was being driven in line with “normal procedures” when a PSNI jeep in which he was a passenger hit security bollards, it was claimed yesterday.
Sunken defences at the entrance to the Phoenix Park in Dublin were activated which wrote off the unmarked PSNI vehicle bringing Drew Harris back from a trip to the North.
Sinn Fein calls on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to clarify how his jeep flipped over in Dublin
Dublin Live revealed how the bomb-proof jeep was flung into the air during the incident last month.
It is being blamed on a malfunction of security structures.
But we revealed a garda physically pressed the emergency button when she didn’t recognise the unmarked black jeep trying to enter the compound.
The incident raised questions as to why the Commissioner – a former high-ranking PSNI officer – was being driven from the border to Dublin by close protection officers from the North.
Yesterday, the PSNI and Garda moved to make clear the transport arrangement was standard.
Bomb-proof jeep carrying Garda Commissioner Drew Harris flips over at Garda HQ in Dublin
In near identical statements, the forces said they were both satisfied normal procedure was followed.
A PSNI spokeswoman said: “We do not comment on operational matters.
“However, where PSNI and An Garda Siochana carry out any operational activity in either jurisdiction it is within the law and with full permission and knowledge of the host service.”
A Garda spokeswoman added: “Both An Garda Siochana and PSNI are content normal procedure was followed.”
Mr Harris is a former deputy chief constable of the PSNI.
The Commissioner, who was appointed to head up the Garda last year, is still a regular traveller North of the border.
