A SHOOTING incident in the village of Ballyhahill last week has increased the growing sense of fear and isolation within the local community, according to a local public representative.
Gardai in Newcastle West are investigating an incident last Friday morning when a volley of shots was discharged at a house in the village. No one was injured and it is understood the house may have been unoccupied at the time.
Independent councillor for the Rathkeale-Adare area, Emmett O’Brien described the incident as alarming and says it comes only weeks after he called for a sergeant to be assigned to Askeaton Garda Station.
“This incident only increases the growing sense of fear and isolation that people feel in this constituency and we need quick and decisive action from the government to give the Gardaí more resources.
“The local Gardai are doing their best with limited resources but not having a permanent and highly visible presence is having profound social consequences for the people of Askeaton, Foynes and Ballyhahill,” he said.
He says that increased patrol hours and increased Garda visibility is needed in communities across County Limerick.
“This will not only give comfort to the locals but will also give solid support to local Gardai who are working so hard to prevent crime,” he suggested.
Witnesses to the shooting should contact Newcastle West Gardaí on 061-20650.
