O’Dea slams ‘Irish Beirut’ image of Limerick
Deputy O'Dea made his comments at a recent presentation to the Community Development Programme for St Mary's Park one of the area's of Limerick which has suffered as a result of the city's violent feud.
The Fianna Fail TD presented a cheque for €5,000 to the St Mary's Lone Parent Group on behalf of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
Speaking at the event Deputy O'Dea praised the objective of the St Mary's Project, which is determined "to reclaim the streets from the drug pushers and the criminals".
However, he strongly criticised the national media's depiction of Limerick and described the criminal fraternity in the city as "small" in relation to the total population.
"Unfortunately Limerick has been the focus of a lot of media attention because some of the undesirables who come to media prominence live in the area.
"There is a perception of Limerick as an Irish Beirut where people are living in fear watching their own backs but the reality on the ground is a lot different," said Mr O'Dea.
"There is a camaraderie among people here and a friendship among neighbours that is not recognised outside of the city," he added.
Speaking at the recent presentation, Limerick's Chief Supt Gerry Kelly praised the work done by people at the Community Development Programme for St Mary's Park and stressed the importance of integration between the gardaí and communities.
"It's very important that in the times we live in everyone is entitled to live without the fear of intimidation no matter where they live," said Chief Supt Kelly.
The €5,000 presented to St Mary's will be used towards an upcoming cultural trip to France.
