Urgent call to tackle 16 crime families in Limerick

SERIOUS intervention is urgently needed to tackle 16 Limerick families involved in serious crime andantisocial behaviour, according to a confidential report drawn up by the two agencies set up to oversee the regeneration of the city’s black spots.

The families are made up of about 350 men, women and children.

The report says these families have been at the centre of serious trouble for many years in the areas of Southill, Ballinacurra Weston, Moyross and St Mary’s Park.

The report states: “We estimate there are in the region of 70 houses occupied by such families throughout the four areas. There are, of course, children attached to these households and with an average of five per house, so we are talking about 350 persons.

“The problem, therefore, is not one of large quantity but the damage emanating from this problem is immense and it affects in one way or another every family that resides in these areas and in some cases outside these areas.”

The confidential reports said these families abuse the welfare, neglect their children and see themselves as untouchables.

There is an over-reliance on the gardaí tackling these families and no single agency was taking responsibility and the leadership that is required.

Some progress has been made with the problem families through the fear they will lose their homes and will not get new homes under regeneration.

The report says the Regeneration Agency will not take the lead in getting to grips with the 16 families, though it will be progressed in the four areas.

It adds: “However, there are many serious issues around families currently living in the regeneration areas that require serious attention and intervention in the short-term and which cannot wait for the ultimate and long-term outcomesof the Regeneration Programme.”