Drive by shooting at Limerick house over drugs
A WOMAN was injured during a drive-by shooting in County Limerick over a drugs dispute, the Limerick Leader has learned.
It is believed the order to target a home in Banogue was given by a drugs gang based in the UK and the gun attack was carried out by Limerick-based criminals at 9.35pm on Saturday night.
At the same time, the Banogue Drama Group was performing to a packed crowd in the local hall which is located in the vicinity. Three nights earlier, a petrol bomb was thrown at the same house.
Minister of State Niall Collins said: “The local community has been traumatised.”
A garda spokesperson confirmed to the Limerick Leader that officers are investigating the discharging of a firearm that occurred at a residential premises in Banogue at approximately 9.35pm on Saturday.
“A female in her 40s received medical treatment at the scene for minor injury. The scene was preserved and a technical examination carried out. Investigations are ongoing,” said the garda spokesperson.
It is thought that the woman was not the intended target of the shooter and is a completely innocent party.
Gardai also confirmed they are investigating an incident of “criminal damage by fire” that occurred at a residential premises in Banogue at 11pm on Thursday.
“There were no injuries reported. Investigations are ongoing,” said the garda spokesperson. It is believed it all stems from a dispute over the payment of drugs that originated in the UK.
Minister of State Niall Collins said he has been made aware of these “very serious and worrying incidents”.
“I know our gardai are treating this matter very seriously and they will use all means necessary to bring the culprits to justice,” said Mr Collins.
One local told the Leader there has been a very heavy and visible garda presence in the Banogue area in recent days but they are very fearful of further incidents taking place in their quiet, rural parish.