THE latest fatality resulting from stolen cars being driven at high speed on the north side of Cork is the second such incident in a month.
On February 15th Christopher O'Flynn (11), from Churchfield West, was a passenger in a stolen car which overturned in the Hollyhill area of Cork's north side. He died at the scene. The 15-year-old driver of the car is recovering from serious injuries.
Despite the latest incident, the Garda in Cork has been enjoying considerable success in its attempt to deal with the problem.
A year ago the Garda targeted the ring-leaders and secured the co-operation of the Department of Justice in ensuring they were not granted early release from prison once convicted.
Gardai are embarking on a programme of "road calming" measures on the north side to make it difficult for cars to be driven at speed.
Meanwhile, the Garda in Cork said last night that the new "stinger" system, designed to thwart high speed car chases involving criminals, cannot be used against people who steal cars for the purpose of racing until new legislation has been introduced.
As the law stands, the system, involving a length of spikes that can be spread across the road ahead of a car to puncture its tyres, may only be used for scheduled offences such as bank robberies, terrorist offences and murders.
A Department of Justice spokeswoman said last night that legislation enacted in February allowing gardai to use "stinger" spikes in such cases was due to come into force about now.
She said the legislation formed part of the Criminal Justice Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1997. "With all new legislation there is an operative date given to allow whatever administrative arrangements need to be made," she added.