BREAKING: Gardai arrest 44 people in Limerick town

FORTY four people were arrested in Abbeyfeale during a major "day of action" operation this Tuesday.

A multi-agency approach was adopted and the operation was conducted with support from Customs and Revenue, Department of Social Protection, Road Safety Authority and Limerick City and County Council's dog warden.

This was to "maximise effect", said a garda spokesperson.

Thirty members from across Abbeyfeale garda station, Limerick County Community Engagement Area,  Limerick Crime Functional Area, Divisional Roads Policing Unit, Regional Armed Support Unit and the Kerry Division  carried out searches, arrested persons wanted on bench warrants, conducted checkpoints and patrols in Abbeyfeale.

"As a result of the operation 44 persons were arrested on foot of outstanding bench warrants and brought before Newcastle West District Court.

"Eight multi-agency checkpoints were conducted leading to six vehicles being seized for various offences, including dangerous driving and failure to stop.

"Two persons were arrested for suspicion of drug driving and conveyed to a garda station in County Limerick. Three persons in total were arrested for road traffic offenses.

"Two domestic residences were searched under warrant and a small quantity of cannabis herb was seized," said a garda spokesperson.

READ MORE: Garda shoots XL Bully after aggressive dog cornered officers in Limerick

Speaking about the "day of action", Superintendent Mike Fleming said this is their fourth day of action across the Limerick County Community Engagement area following similar operations in Newcastle West, Rathkeale and Kilmallock over the last couple of months.

"Today's operation was immensely successful as can be seen by the results and I compliment wholeheartedly my colleagues and those who joined us from other agencies in today's operation.

"Our key goal is to respond to the needs of communities in tackling varying issues such as anti-social behavior, road safety and compliance with various legislation. We will continue going forward with such days of action where the need arises and we welcome the assistance of the public as always in policing County Limerick," said Supt Fleming.

Inspector Gearóid Thompson, who led the operation, said days like this do not happen by accident.

"There is much in the way of planning and logistics to go into making these days successful.

"I am also thankful to the Courts Service who assisted our efforts in supplying staff to meet the increased demand placed on Newcastle West District Court with the 44 persons arrested and brought before the Court today at short notice.

"This was also a key element to the success of today’s operation," said Insp Thompson, who was also the prosecuting inspector in Newcastle West District Court.