Gardaí have carried out a number of searches in relation to an investigation into match fixing in the League of Ireland.

A group of 50 gardaí commenced their shifts yesterday for a six-month test period which is likely to lead to a sea change in policing in the coming years.

THE head of the Limerick Garda division said yesterday a huge drop in crime, particularly burglaries, during the month of January in Limerick city and county, was possibly due to the icy weather preventing criminals travelling on the treacherous road conditions.

MORE than 400 motorists were arrested for drink driving in Limerick city and county up to the middle of September - a 30% increase on the same period last year.