Anger as community safety wardens are earmarked for Limerick city but not the county

SEVERAL former Mayors of Limerick have expressed concerns that the new-established Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) will be a "talking shop" and a "waste of time".

As part of a new national initiative, the Limerick partnership was established earlier this year, representing a significant shift away from traditional policing models.

The LCSP brings together local authorities, An Garda Siochana, the HSE, Tusla and community voices, with the aim of building public trust and reflecting local needs in safety planning.

In Limerick, the partnership will see the introduction of four community safety wardens in Limerick. These wardens will provide a supportive presence in public spaces, liaising with gardaí, engaging with residents, and reporting issues that affect community wellbeing.

However, they will not have any enforcement powers. Instead, their role is to complement garda policing and act as a visible, approachable resource for the public.

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After being briefed on the roll out of the LCSP in Limerick, elected members of the Newcastle West Municipal District expressed concerns and asked that their feedback be related to the powers that be.

There were angry scenes when councillors learned that all four of the new community wardens are to be based in Limerick city, with none being allocated to county towns or rural areas.

Cllr Liam Galvin voiced strong frustration at this, asking: “Are we the poor relation?” in reference to Limerick county, he questioned why resources were not being divided fairly between the city and county, suggesting that two of the four should be deployed "in the county."

Cllr Galvin went further, suggesting the initiative will be a “waste of time” if no resources are to be provided in West Limerick. He argued that the county faces its own challenges with anti-social behaviour and public safety, and that local people expect the same level of support as those in the city. "This is nuts," he said.

Other councillors echoed the concerns, stressing that a fairer distribution of wardens would better reflect the partnership’s stated goal of meeting local needs.

Cllr Michael Collins said he believes the new committee will be a "talking shop" and that he does not believe it will work. "We don't need a committee to tell us what's wrong - we know what's wrong."

He added that he would not be putting forward his name to be a member as it would "eat into" his already busy schedule as a councillor and professional auctioneer.

Cllr Jerome Scanlon said he also believes the new partnership, which must meet at least six times a hear will be a "absolute waste of time" and he accused government of "buck-passing" and "putting local representatives on the line".

All members were agreement that the previous system of having regular meetings with the relevant local garda superintendents was beneficial unlike what is currently being proposed.