‘Reckless in the extreme’: Gardai probe camper van torched in middle of Limerick town

GARDAI in Limerick are continuing to investigate an arson attack on a camper van in Rathkeale on Friday night.

It occurred on Thomas Street shortly after 9pm. A video of the fire, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the flames rising high into the night sky.

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One local told Limerick Live it was “reckless in the extreme”.

“I don’t know the background to it but that was crazy stuff. The town would be busy on a Friday night with people out and about having a few sociable drinks and you’d have children out a bit later as there was no school the next day.

“If anybody was walking by when it went up there could have been tragic consequences,” they said.

No injuries have been reported.

A garda spokesperson confirmed they received a report of criminal damage by fire to a camper van in Rathkeale at around 9.10pm on Friday, October 17, 2025.

“The fire was extinguished by Limerick Fire and Rescue. Investigations are ongoing,” said a garda spokesperson.

There have been a number of serious incidents in and, in the vicinity, of Rathkeale in recent months. They include a man being shot, an attempted chemical attack on a man in a pub and four houses being firebombed.

The town’s population will swell dramatically from next month as members of the Travelling community traditionally return home from Christmas. 

Local councillor, Adam Teskey has reiterated calls for extra gardai that he has made on a number of occasions.

The Fine Gael councillor said “now, more than ever, we need more gardai”. 

“That is the message I'm sending loud and clear to Phoenix Park and especially to the incoming garda commissioner that it's not just Dublin that needs to be resourced, our rural towns and villages in particular,” said Cllr Teskey.