Armed gardaí to patrol Rathkeale during Christmas influx of Travellers

Armed gardaí will be on the streets of Rathkeale over the Christmas period as part of a major policing plan to deal with a massive influx of Travellers from all over Europe to the Co Limerick town.

Extra plainclothes gardaí, members of the traffic corps, and a small number of armed officers will form part of a permanent police presence in the town to “ensure everybody has a safe and enjoyable Christmas”, head of the Newcastle West Garda district Supt Eamon O’Neill confirmed yesterday

Following extensive consultations members of the settled and Traveller community and local businesses, the policing plan includes special court sittings and the HSE will set up a triage clinic with a doctor and a nurse to support existing medical services in the town.