Andrew carey
andrew@limerickpost.ie
A SPECIALIST garda unit should be set up to specifically tackle gun crime as attacks escalate, according to a Limerick TD.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins has called for a dedicated garda unit to tackle a dramatic spike in gun crime.
His comments come as gardaí investigate three separate fatal gun attacks, including one where a Limerick criminal was shot dead outside his Dublin home.
Stephen “Dougie” Moran was gunned down in a gangland hit as he walked to the front door of his County Dublin home. He was a known associate of convicted Dublin drug dealer John Gilligan who himself was shot at a relatives home almost three weeks ago.
Deputy Collins warned that while the latest fatal shootings were in Dublin, a new specified unit could tackle the problem nationwide and indeed in Limerick.
“This is a shocking escalation of gun crime. It’s clear that immediate intervention is needed before more lives are lost,” said Deputy Collins.
As well as a greater garda presence on the streets, Deputy Collins believes “we need a dedicated garda unit to oversee the investigation and prevention of gun crime.”
A grandmother in her 60s was killed in Tallaght last week and her daughter seriously injured in a shooting while two men were injured in a gun attack in Ballyfermot on Thursday night last.
“Unfortunately these shootings are just the latest in a series of gun attacks in recent months. While local gardaí are going above and beyond the call of duty every day to keep these residential areas safe, the reality is that the violence is escalating and they need more resources to tackle it.
“I am calling on the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter and the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan to immediately examine what additional resources can be directed towards addressing this worrying spike in violent attacks.”
Deputy Collins said that there needs to be an immediate plan put in place for “an appropriate response”.
