Calls for 'pop-up' garda stations to be dotted around Limerick

THE rollout of pop-up garda stations are needed, to “ensure” the people of Limerick feel “a greater sense of security”, according to one Fine Gael senator.

Senator Maria Byrne has called for temporary, pop-up garda stations in Limerick to combat anti-social behaviour, as they are in Wexford. 

These pop-up garda stations would operate as a base within Limerick city or county areas and be used as an information resource for members of the public and help increase garda visibility.

“In our cities, like Limerick, it will increase the visibility of the Gardaí and ensure better community policing tactics,” Senator Byrne said.

“Having spoken with many business owners across Limerick, they value our garda presence in the city and the introduction of a pop-up station would be key to helping this.

“There are several possible buildings in Limerick City that could be used such as the vacant former tourist office on O’Connell Avenue. This would be a prime location within the city centre,” she suggested.

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The introduction of 10 garda community engagement vans, which act as mobile garda stations, has been described by Senator Byrne as “a fantastic model that could be replicated in Limerick”.

“Last week we saw the roll out of body cameras in Limerick by Minister McEntee and this has been a very welcome step. The roll out of Garda pop-up stations would be another step we could take to ensure we keep our communities safe,” she concluded.