Call to tackle Cork clothes gangs

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has been asked to explain why legislation aimed at cracking down on bogus charities collecting clothes still hasn’t been implemented – even though it was passed by the Oireachtas last year.

Deputy Ciarán Lynch said he was amazed gardaí had not been given the power to act against such gangs, especially as they had been involved in a dangerous feud in Cork which had resulted in a number of clothes collection vans being burnt out.

Earlier this week, Garda sources said they were concerned violence could escalate between three rival gangs based in Cork, one of which has 30 vans operating around the country.