Limerick Chamber wants to see Cork-style policing model for city centre

LIMERICK Chamber has called for the new high-visibility policing plan in Cork to come to this city.

As part of a raft of new measures, 48 new gardai have been assigned to the Cork city division, and are planning an increase in foot patrols on selected streets in a bid to cut crime on Lee-side, including anti-social behaviour, open drug dealing, aggressive begging and shoplifting.

Limerick Chamber, which is the largest business representative group in the region, held talks with Assistant Commissioner Eileen Foster.

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During this meeting, while they welcomed the positive impact of the Christmas policing plan launch locally, they want to see something more permanent.

Director of policy at the Chamber Seán Golden said: “It was energising to engage with Assistant Commissioner Foster on such a clear, solutions-driven agenda. The Christmas Policing Plan shows a real commitment to supporting businesses and communities at a vital time of year.”

He acknowledged given the numbers in Limerick’s garda force, that the policing plan is limited here to the festive season, unlike in Cork.

“The visibility strategy in Cork is a powerful example of what effective, targeted policing can achieve, and we’re eager to see the introduction of a similar approach in Limerick in 2026,” Mr Golden added.

For now, Chamber has warmly welcomed the current policing measures for the city centre.

Mr Golden noted the positive impact they have on businesses, workers and the public during what is the busiest periods of the year.

Limerick Chamber says it looks forward to continuing this positive engagement and working in partnership with senior gardai in Limerick and across the region.