Call for garda kiosks in Limerick city centre

A CITY centre landlord has called for garda kiosks to be introduced on Limerick’s main thoroughfare.
Eddie Molloy, who is also a member of the Limerick City Centre Traders Association, believes a permanent cabin could be placed at a prominent spot in O’Connell Street. He suggested outside the former Debenhams store.
“Dublin have these kiosks, in O’Connell Street, a presence on its main thoroughfare,” said Mr Molloy.
However, he acknowledged that first and foremost, more resources need to be in place from the government for front-line officers.
“The gardai are below man power, so it needs to be resourced from central government. The gardai are overstretched in the city, and are doing the best they can. The whole business community is behind them 100% but they need to be resourced. The more resources they have, the fewer problems the city centre will have,” he said.

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Like other traders, Mr Molloy says there has been a marked cut in anti-social behaviour since gardai upped their presence in the city centre.
But, given it is officers on voluntary overtime, he is concerned that it might not last.
“How long can they keep it up? They are pulling resources from different areas and are overstretched. The gardai have a strategy, but it goes back to one thing and that's resources. They don't have the manpower,” concluded the businessman.