Secure evidence facility near completion

Work on a secure exhibits facility is nearing completion at a Garda station in Limerick.

The facility is being provided following the collapse of a case at Limerick District Court after material evidence was destroyed in a fire at Henry Street Garda Station.

The Property Exhibits Management System will be located at Roxboro Garda Station. All evidential material and exhibits relating to investigations in the Limerick Garda division will be kept there. The PEMS system has been installed in most other Garda divisions, and provides full, secure storage facilities for evidence and exhibits.

Limerick District Court had heard crucial exhibits in a case had been lost in a fire at Henry Street Garda Station on Jan 11.

A major burglary case collapsed due to the absence of the destroyed exhibits.

Gardaí said yesterday no evidential material relating to any other major crime had been destroyed.

Chief Supt David Sheahan said the PEMS had been rolled out in most other Garda divisions.

“We have found a suitable location and it has been decked out to the standard required under the management policies that are in place in respect of it,” said Chief Supt Sheahan, adding that the PEMS will be ready by January.

Limerick District Court heard the evidence was destroyed in a fire which broke out in the boiler room of Henry Street Garda Station.

Judge Eugene O’Kelly said it beggared belief there was not a safe place in Limerick for the storage of such key evidence.