Last Updated: Friday, April 11, 2008, 18:53

President's Garda escort injured in crash

A member of the President's motorcycle escort was injured this evening when he was involved in road collision.

The collision happened while gardaí were escorting President Mary McAleese to Dublin from an engagement in Kilkenny.

The garda, a member of the Garda Traffic Corps based at Dublin Castle, was in collision with a car on the Castlecomer Road at around 4pm.

The garda and the driver of the car were both taken to St Luke's hospital in Kilkenny where their condition has been described as stable. There were no other injuries.

President McAleese is said to be keeping in contact with officials to monitor the progress of both the injured garda officer and civilian.

The president was returning to Dublin from Kilkenny having officially opened the new Heritage Council Headquarters.