'Feet on the street' sought in safety drive for Limerick city centre

LIMERICK Council has opened the application process to recruit community safety wardens to provide “feet on the street” in the city centre.

The new initiative is being spearheaded by Mayor John Moran in a bid to address anti-social behaviour on city streets.

These community wardens would have a direct line to designated garda officers.

PICTURES: Abseil fundraiser at Thomond Park for a County Limerick community hall

Now, the search for these wardens is on.

“The intention is that these community champions will be the conduit in facilitating safer communities by ensuring that everyone feels safe as their visible presence deters crime and supports the creation of a safe and resilient city centre community,” the council has stated.

The wardens will not replace gardai, council has insisted.

“But by building relationships between the community stakeholders, visitors to our city will see increased vibrancy and reduced anti-social behaviour,” added the local authority.

The community wardens are expected to be an “ambassador” for the city giving a warm welcome and helpful information to visitors from all over the world.”

The starting salary for any successful candidate who is not already in the employ of the public sector will be €1,525.56 per fortnight.

The position will require some flexibility as duties will involve working outside of normal hours, including weekends, evenings, nights and Bank Holidays.

Mayor Moran has said previously that on a trial basis, four or five wardens could be deployed in the city centre, potentially operating from the former tourist centre at Arthur’s Quay Park.

He’s secured funding of €130,000 from the Department of Justice for this scheme, and will also delve into his own mayoral fund.