FINE Gael mayoral candidate Cllr Daniel Butler has committed to establishing a Community Warden Safety Scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour in Limerick City.
Modelled after similar schemes already operating in Dublin, it will, he claims, improve the quality of life for Limerick people.
Cllr Butler told the Limerick Post that his proposed scheme will see Community Safety Wardens (CSWs) provide a “reassuring presence in prominent city centre locations, being friendly, open, proactive and approachable”.
“The CSWs will work closely with state and community services, including An Garda Síochána, local drug, and alcohol programmes, and Limerick City and County Council to provide effective and time critical management of safety issues as they arise.”
The Fine Gael candidate says that he hopes to use the mayoral seat “to revitalise our city centre, encouraging more people to call it home and more businesses to open their doors in the heart of Limerick City”.
Under Cllr Butler’s proposal, CSWs will address issues including youth crime, hate crime, and alcohol and drug use, with a focus on tackling the “aggressive street tapping that has become increasingly common on Limerick streets”.
Cllr Butler told the Limerick Post he will also appoint a City Centre Manager to focus on delivering positive change for the city.
“This manager will be supported by a small team based in Limerick City and County Council and will work with a wide range of local stakeholders to develop services that will encourage more people to live in the city centre and encourage more businesses to locate there.”
Cllr Butler envisions the new role will involve targeting “major retailers” to open new outlets in the city centre to drive greater footfall.
“By tackling these issues head on, we can make our city a safe place for all at any time day or night,” he said.
