EXTRA Gardaí and additional CCTV cameras are to be allocated to the Northside of Limerick city to tackle the escalating anti-social behaviour on the Old Cratloe Road.
Limerick Fine Gael Senator Kieran O’Donnell, who has been working with local residents associations, said that “anti-social behaviour impacts on people’s lives and cannot be tolerated.
He made his remarks as increased Garda deployment was confirmed earlier this week.
Over the last number of months, incidents of anti social behaviour have escalated with a group of teenagers carrying out random attacks and criminal acts in the area.
“The anxiety and fear it is causing to residents is something very real. With that in mind, I have been in contact with An Garda Síochána and Limerick City and County Council to put measures immediately in place to address this urgent matter and I wish to commend both bodies on their prompt responses.
Garda Superintendent Derek Smart said that a sergeant and two Gardaí will be assigned to a specific operation to combat anti-social behaviour which will be funded under the Operation Thor anti-crime strategy.
CCTV cameras have now been installed by Limerick City and County Council at Caherdavin Community Centre and on the Old Cratloe Road, with further cameras to be erected throughout these areas.
“These CCTV cameras will greatly enhance the capacity for community policing and be an effective deterrent to anti-social behaviour”, Senator O’Donnell said.
The field adjacent to the Country Club has been cleared, as this is used as a gathering area for anti-social behaviour.
Senator O’Donnell said that a follow-up meeting of the residents will be held this Thursday night at the Country Club at 8pm.
“I will continue to work with residents and campaign to combat anti-social behaviour. People going about their daily lives should not have to put up with this.
“However, Limerick needs extra Gardaí as we received no new recruits from the Templemore Garda Training College in the last two rounds and this is a matter I am taking up with Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan.
“These are great areas to live in, full of community spirit and activity so it is vital that we stamp out this type of anti-social behaviour”, he said.
