Limerick ‘must act’ to stop return to violence

Agencies in Limerick should seize on the opportunity provided by the “lull” in gangland violence and “prevent a storm” from building up again, a former detective has said.

Sean Lynch, now a local councillor, said ex-gang members who have seen the error of their ways could be used to educate young people in parts of the city blighted by disadvantage, gangs, and feuds.

“This is a lull, and a lot of the key players are in jail,” Mr Lynch said. “Just because there is a lull, that doesn’t mean that people are not intent on causing harm. Going forward, if you’re to prevent a storm you get in there and you work immediately, not waiting until someone else is shot.”