Over 2,000 call for new garda station in Limerick

MORE than 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for the planned new garda station in Castletroy, Limerick to proceed without delay.

The government has included the provision of a new station in what is Limerick’s fastest growing suburb, but the onus is now on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to approve the project.

Fianna Fail councillor Joe Pond and Deputy Willie O’Dea have collected hundreds of signatures calling on him to do just this.

Councillor Pond says he wants to secure 3,000 signatures before sending it to garda headquarters.

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He says Castletroy has become “devastated by crime and anti-social behaviour.”

“People are afraid to leave their homes particularly at night due to the fact gangs of youths hang around the area constantly intimidating them. They are continuously suffering financially from damage to their property by these individuals. Parents cannot allow their children to attend a nearby play area, established at great expense to the taxpayer,” he said.

However, Superintendent Andrew Lacey, Henry Street, indicated that it might be better to only have a garda office, as opposed to a full station in Castletroy.

“Having a station is one thing, having gardai to staff it is another,” he told councillors at a special meeting on anti-social behaviour in the city.