by Alan Jacques
BLOCKING off alleyways and laneways in Garryowen could be one solution to reducing antisocial behaviour in the area.
That’s the view of Garda Chief Superintendent David Sheahan who told members of Limerick City and County Council’s Joint Policing Committee at their meeting last Monday that this approach proved an efficient solution to a similar problem in his native Waterford a few years ago.
Chief Supt Sheahan admitted that Garryowen is a “hotspot” for antisocial behaviour and a particular “bug-bearer” for Gardai in the city. Most of those causing problems in the area, he said, come from outside the estate.
“Garryowen is like a magnet for attracting antisocial behaviour. We have had extra patrols in the area over the last number of weeks going back to before Christmas,” he told councillors.
Sinn Fein comhairleoir Séighin Ó Ceallaigh pointed out that old people in the Reidy Court area of Garryowen were frightened to go outside their doors because of ongoing antisocial behaviour outside their homes. He queried whether CCTV cameras in the area might help Gardaí combat the problem.
Fianna Fail councillor Jerry O’Dea said that he had met with the area’s community policing officer to see how issues could be resolved.
“I am concerned for the stability of the community in Garryowen from the threat of antisocial behaviour. There must be some way to disperse these young people,” he commented.
