Limerick mayor to meet assault victim Natasha O'Brien

MAYOR John Moran and assault victim Natasha O'Brien are to meet this Wednesday.

Following a media query from Limerick Live, Mayor Moran said he would first like to take the opportunity to commend and thank Natasha O’Brien for her courage in speaking out since Thursday.

"And, in particular, her selfless commitment to work to achieve changes in the law not just for herself but to ensure others do not have to go through the same horrible experience she has. 

"Also, to thank her on behalf of all of Limerick for having the courage to intervene in the first place when someone else was being attacked and not just walk by as so many others might have done. What evolved after should never have happened," said Mayor Moran. 

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We all want a safer Limerick, indeed, a safer Ireland, said the newly elected mayor.

"Speaking generally, people need to understand that there are serious consequences to their actions when they decide to act inappropriately on our streets. Our national legislators need to ensure all of us feel protected by the law.

"This issue has been and remains very much a priority for me especially since Thursday. I wanted to set a marker down in my inauguration speech on Friday, June 21 by specifically emphasising the need to do more so that people could feel safe on the city streets especially walking home late at night," said Mr Moran.

On Saturday, June 22, the mayor invited Ms O’Brien to a meeting to "understand exactly the issues she wishes to raise and explore how the Office of Mayor can effect positive changes". This meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. 

"The attack on Natasha is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident. I am also meeting this week with senior Limerick gardai and local business representatives to address street violence and other issues of concern in Limerick city centre, which was already scheduled," concluded the mayor.