Shatter accused of negligence for failing to fill key Garda post in gang crime area

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has been accused of gross negligence over the failure to fill a key Garda post in an area of Limerick ravaged by gang crime.

Fianna Fáil justice spokesman, Niall Collins, TD, said the Roxboro Road garda district which has witnessed some of the worst murders carried out by the city’s feud gangs, has had no superintendent for nearly six months, due to cutbacks.

Mr Collins said: “This is a scandalous matter given that some of the most notorious murders in the State have been carried out the Roxboro Road District, and where deadly crime gangs are still active.One of the most serious drugs gangs in Munster still operate in this part of the city.”

The notorious Mc Carthy-Dundon gang are within the station’s remit.

Murders successfully investigated by gardaí in the district include those of rugby player Shane Geoghegan, businessman Roy Collins, and gang leader Kieran Keane.

Mr Colllins said: “The success of the gardaí at Roxboro Road and the garda management there has been central to tackling Limerick’s feud gangs.”Keane was transferred from Roxboro Road, to fill the Henry Street vacancy. No replacement Superintendent was appointed to Roxboro Road.

A spokesman for the Minister for Justice, Mr Shatter last night said a competition was “presently under way for the selection of candidates for appointment by the Government to the rank of superintendent”.