A NUMBER of vehicles had rocks and other missiles hurled in their direction in the Rhebogue area this Wednesday, causing severe damage and trauma to motorists.
The perpetrators were a number of youths who took up positions on the railway bridge located on the hill leading to Rhebogue estates.
Locals are now demanding action be taken against them.
City councillor, Kieran O’Hanlon told this newspaper that he believes the youths involved had come up the railway tracks from a drug dealing location further down the line.
“While this is a very serious incident, which could have resulted in someone being killed, the gardai at Henry Street are investigating it as, we also have a problem emerging here of youths, who are gaining access to the railway line behind the houses of Drominbeg – I’ve very good reason to believe they are coming from a drug dealing location nearer to the canal at Abbeylock and Abbeyvale.
“People have been on to me – they are very worried and fearful that these thugs will gain access into their homes – the fact that drugs are involved is making the situation worse for the residents, who feel vulnerable and fearful that they will be broken into”.
Confirming that the gardai are investigating Wednesday’s dawn vandalisation of cars and are monitoring the area, Cllr O’Hanlon said he is arranging a meeting with Iarnrod Eireann and the gardai early next week.
“I want Iarnrod Eireann to take a look at their railway bridge and the railway line as measures must be taken to prevent easy access and give the local people more protection.
“Meanwhile, I’m encouraging the residents to report anything suspicious to Henry Street Garda Station”.
Referring to a similar invasion of the railway line in Rathbane some years ago, which resulted in successful prosecutions, Cllr O’Hanlon said he will be discussing the issue with the rail company.
When contacted by the Limerick Post, Jim Galvin, business development manager with Iarnrod Eireann Limerick, said that in conjunction with the gardai, a thorough investigation will be carried out.
“We will take appropriate measures. Trespassing on a railway line is a criminal offence. In co-operation with the gardai, we took a proactive stance against trespassers on the Rathbane line some years ago, which resulted in a number of convictions”.
