Vacant Limerick homes are being used for drug dealing and raves

Neighbours say they don't feel safe near the empty council-owned properties

A vacant house in St Mary's Park, Limerick. Community leaders and politicians point out that similar empty properties are the venue for drug dens and other antisocial behaviour in the midst of a homelessness crisis. 

Limerick's vacant, council-owned properties are being used as bases for drug dealing and mass illegal raves leaving nearby residents scared and angry.

As of the end of March, there were 297 vacant properties across Limerick City and county, according to the local authority. Of those, 54 are classed as derelict. They are mostly scattered across the city’s economically deprived areas and are becoming magnets for crime.