Claims Of Over €2M + Euro Funds Go Missing At Garda College, Co Tipperary.

It is understood that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), has, at last, sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), following lengthy investigation into financial irregularities at the Garda Training College, situated in Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

Following investigations, same begun some 75 months ago, a decision is now awaited on whether any serving or retired Gardaí are likely to be charged in relation to this possible embezzlement.

It is understood that millions of euro, including European Union funds just vanished, with over €2m unaccounted for, and linked mainly to a restaurant at the Garda Training College, as well as huge sums linked to golf course land and a boat club.

Included in the internal audit report, are accusations as follows:-
(A) The Training College rented out land it did not own.
(B) Operated some 50 bank accounts with some allegedly used for purposes other than those for which they were intended. This included the buying of gifts, spending on entertainment and sponsoring garda clubs.
(C) Used public money to fit out privately owned shops.
(D) Operated one bank account in the name of the Garda laundry account, which were used for the payment of bonuses, some loans to staff, and the funding of entertainment and sporting expenses.
(E) Redirecting European Union funding into own bank accounts, before possibly being diverted to a Dublin bank account, referred to as the ‘Cabra Account‘.

These allegations first date back to 1999 and were then highlighted by Garda Human Resources boss Mr John Barrett. Mr Barrett gave extensive details of his efforts to raise concerns about Templemore’s existing finances.

Same was not referred to GSOC until June 2017 by the then Garda Commissioner Ms Nóirín O’Sullivan.
In her evidence to PAC in 2017, Ms O’Sullivan said that she first found out about same financial issues at a two hour meeting, described as a brief meeting, at the Training College, back in July 2015. However, inquiries do not appear to have continued, once Garda Commissioner O’Sullivan handed over her report to GSOC.

To date, one former senior Garda member, who was involved directly with the training college, has been deemed unable to fully co-operate with on going enquiries, due to failing health.

It is expected that this case could take the Irish State prosecutor some 12 months to rule if any current or now retired Gardaí should face criminal charges.