'People in acute addiction travelling to Limerick for 'crack' and heroin on daily basis'

THE ‘SIGNIFICANT’ demand for crack cocaine and heroin has people in "acute addiction" travelling to the city to source the drugs on a daily basis, one councillor has said.

This was one of the many challenges gardaí outlined in their briefing to city councillors this Wednesday.

Councillors from the Limerick Metropolitan District received “a comprehensive update” from Superintendent Andrew Lacey, Henry Street Garda Station, and Superintendent Ollie Kennedy, Roxboro Road Garda Station on Wednesday, July 16.

The meeting covered “a range of initiatives addressing ongoing concerns around criminality in the city centre and surrounding areas,” Cathaoirleach of the Limerick Metropolitan District, Cllr Daniel Butler, informed Limerick Live.

Drugs, feuds, and a lack of overtime were the main issues discussed.

The City West councillor said that An Garda Síochána was “forthright in acknowledging the scale of illegal drug dealing and addiction in Limerick city”.

Gardaí reported a “significant” demand for crack cocaine and heroin, with people in “acute addiction” travelling to the city centre and Kings Island areas from surrounding regions to source the drugs “on a daily basis”.

READ MORE: Irresponsible learner driver caught cruising with cocaine in car in Limerick

The Superintendents also outlined the increasing demands on garda resources, with the operational needs being more than the available support can match.

A reduction in overtime funding is “hampering targeted operations,” Cllr Butler said, with Operation Feabhsaigh, an operation focused on the St Mary’s Park/Kings Island area, currently having no overtime allocation.

Additional garda resources have been formally requested.

Across the city, Operation Gealbhan, which is focused on a “violent feud” between two groups on the city’s south side, remains ongoing.

Councillors were briefed on the details of the operation, which includes high-visibility patrols, supports from specialised units including the Armed Support Unit, evening and night-time “reassurance patrols,” and ongoing investigations.

Cllr Butler commended An Garda Síochána for their dedication on behalf of the Metropolitan District councillors, and wished them “continued success in this critical operation”.

READ MORE: Gardaí arrest man over public order incident in Limerick

The Fine Gael councillor said he was “particularly encouraged” to hear that gardaí intend to pursue a number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders through the courts against individuals involved in “serious and persistent criminality” in the city.

“These orders, established under the Criminal Justice Act 2006, allow the District Court to prohibit convicted offenders from entering specified areas, often for up to 12 months, and have proven effective in curbing violent or disorderly behaviour in Limerick in the past,” he said.

“Nevertheless, I recognise that Exclusion Orders are considered a measure of last resort and commend the gardaí for using this option carefully and only when necessary to protect public safety.”

In the city centre, gardaí have increased their visible presence, with two additional officers on beat duty from 12-8pm, Monday to Saturday.

This aims to tackle theft, drug offences, aggressive begging, unauthorised vehicle use (including bikes and scooters), and antisocial behaviour, aiming to improve safety and public confidence in affected areas, Cllr Butler explained.

Crime statistics reflect no escalation of robbery from persons and establishments in the city so far in 2025, which the councillor feels is “hopeful”.

Incidents of burglary are also down more than 50% in the city centre and on the south side. 

READ MORE: PICTURES: Limerick marks National Day of Commemoration

The statistics presented to councillors showed increases in detections of drug possession which was attributed to “pro-active, targeted policing”.

Cllr Butler said: “The people of Limerick have shown remarkable resilience in the face of past challenges. I am confident that, with continued community support and properly resourced Gardaí, we can overcome the current issues as well. 

“I thank An Garda Síochána for their unwavering commitment to public safety and for their collaborative approach with elected representatives. 

“We, as public representatives, reaffirm our full support and pledge to assist in addressing the challenges facing our city. We also encourage the public to engage with Gardaí—by reporting concerns, participating in community safety initiatives, and helping to build a safer, stronger Limerick for all.

“We look forward to continued updates and collaboration with An Garda Síochána.”