Gang thugs may soon face Special Criminal Court

Top gang criminals may soon face trials at the Special Criminal Court, which is currently reserved for paramilitary trials.

It is understood the gardaí want trials involving Limerick's notorious gangland figures to be moved to the non-jury court.

They claim that Limerick's organised crime problem is so bad that it warrants the same treatment as the threat of terrorism.

The gardaí are to ask the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider the move.