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.”

He was speaking on the Donal MacIntyre: Breaking Crime series on TV3 last night, which has forthcoming episodes on Dublin and Cork. “There’s an opportunity now for all agencies in these particular areas to come on board in conjunction with An Garda Siochána, with the juvenile liaison system, the community police, to go in there and educate the kids and educate the parents that there’s a better way,” said Mr Lynch.

Figures show there were no murders in Limerick in 2014 and one each in 2013 and 2012, compared to an average of five murders every year between 2006 and 2011.

The show visited three areas hard hit in the city, Ballinacurra Weston, Moyross, and St Mary’s Park.

Ballinacurra Weston resident Deirdre Corbett told the programme: “If I had my way I’d be out of here. You can’t rear children here.”

She said the only way to rear them was to give them a “little horse” and their own place.

One such project highlighted was Extern. “They want to learn about horses,” said instructor Catherine Normoyle. “They want a career with horses and I can’t see why they wouldn’t.

“When they came in first they were a little bit wild with horses. But there was never any badness. There was care and love. I think they’re amazing.”

Peter Whelan, aged 23 and father of two, said he had a criminal record “as long as his arm”, including for manufacturing firearms. But he said he was trying to put it behind him for the sake of his children.

Mr Lynch said agencies should use former gang members and criminals who have reformed. “They now see the light — why not use these people?” he said.