Limerick libraries forced to employ security staff to curb anti-social behaviour

The council spokesman did not reveal how much the added security measures were costing

The heightened security has been put in place at Limerick City Library (pictured) and Dooradoyle library located near the biggest shopping centre in the city. File picture: Google Maps

While retailers in Limerick city deploy added security measures to combat shop lifting, it has now emerged that two libraries near busy shopping areas have had to engage professional security personnel to combat an outbreak of anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman for Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) said the measures are "necessary and justified" in terms of providing a safe environment for the public, as well as protecting the library buildings.

The heightened security has been put in place at Limerick City Library and Dooradoyle library located near the biggest shopping centre in the city. The LCCC run and manages 16 branches throughout the city and county.

Uniformed security personnel are now located adjacent to the entrances of both libraries. The spokesman said the libraries are operated free to people of all ages and are open five days a week and open late two evenings.

A full-time member of the library staff has a role of ensuring people are safe at all times and this is done by this staff member, along with other duties.

However two libraries, Limerick City and Dooradoyle, due to their location have experienced anti-social behaviour and it has been decided to engage contract security personnel there.

The council spokesman said that retail businesses in the vicinity of the two libraries also have full-time security personnel employed.

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The spokesman did not reveal how much the added security measures were costing, but said the security was paid at an hourly rate and formed part of the overall costs of operating libraries in the city and county.

The spokesman said: "The cost of providing security is both necessary and justified in terms of providing a safe environment for the public and protecting building security."

Retailers have complained for years that organised gangs roaming the city centre cost them tens of thousands of euro in goods stolen. Often young men on bikes invade stores while staff are distracted and speed off with targeted items such as alcohol.