Plea for armed gardaí

WORRIED Limerick residents are calling for the return of the armed garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) to the city.

It emerged this week that the ERU was recalled to Dublin, despite a spate of shootings and fears that a bloody feud could escalate.

About 30 armed officers were drafted into Limerick amid fears of reprisal shootings, following the killing of Kieran Keane on January 29.

“Now that certain people realise the ERU is gone, there could be trouble,” City Cllr John Gilligan said.

Justice Minister of State Willie O’Dea has backed calls for the redeployment of the ERU after a recent spate of shootings. There has been one murder and two serious shooting incidents in Limerick during the last seven days.

The ERU was assisted in Limerick by a garda helicopter and aircraft that helped patrol areas, such as Moyross.

Following the death of Kieran Keane, the city’s Chief Superintendent Gerry Kelly admitted that he feared reprisals. “The reason we have the people on the street is because we want a safe environment,” he said.

The Garda Representative Association has also admitted that security in Limerick has stretched garda resources to the limit this year.

The garda budget for the year is expected to run out in October and the GRA is calling on Justice Minister Michael McDowell to release more funds.