Calls for increased patrols of northern Limerick suburbs

THERE were renewed calls yesterday for increased patrols in the northern suburbs of Limerick that lie in Clare.

Labour front bench spokesperson Jan O’Sullivan backed calls by her colleague Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald for the establishment of a new Garda station in east Clare to increase the Garda presence there. There have been a number of recent shootings in the southeast corner of Clare that borders Limerick city.

Ms O’Sullivan said: “Over the last number of years there has been significant increases in terms of both population and new housing estates. Areas such as Westbury and Carrig Meade have witnessed considerable growth and the existing Garda station in Ardnacrusha, which is not open on a full time basis, cannot cater for the increased demands of the wider community. When planning permission for large new housing estates are being granted by local authorities more consideration must be given towards the inclusion of specific public services to cater for the needs of new communities. A new Garda station open on a full time basis would service the needs of all local estates such as Shannon Banks, Westbury, Carrig Meade, and also areas such as Parteen, and Ardnacrusha.”

She said it is unacceptable that residents living in new estates and indeed throughout east Clare have to travel to Henry Street in Limerick city to conduct their business.

“Through the establishment of a local station, people can communicate more effectively with the gardaí and this makes community policing more successful in estates throughout the area. I will be raising this issue with the new Minister for Justice on behalf of my constituents,” she said.