Vows to give gardaí 'whatever they want' to tackle ongoing feuds in Limerick

THE MINISTER for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, has vowed to tackle ongoing feuds in Limerick by saying that he will “go out of his way” to ensure that gardaí are provided with “whatever resources they want” to combat it.

At a press briefing this Monday, Minister O’Callaghan said it was a “great honour to be in Limerick” as he visited Newcastle West to view the progression of the garda station site that is being built there. 

Additionally, he visited both mens and womens prisons and, got a briefing from An Garda Síochána at Henry St about their mental health project in collaboration with the HSE, Community Access Support Team (CAST).

Among multiple issues discussed by the minister at the briefing, which included knife crime, Limerick retailers calling for more garda presence in the city centre, he also addressed ongoing feuds in Limerick. 

There are a number of ongoing feuds, including on the southside of Limerick city, Rathkeale and Kilmallock.

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Minister O’Callaghan said: “I should say, because sometimes we take it for granted, the gardaí did a fantastic job in Limerick many years ago in dealing with the violent feuds that were going on here.”

“I think it is something we should pause and reflect on, and I have no doubt, that when it comes to any ongoing feuds in Limerick or elsewhere, that An Garda Síochána will get on top of it. 

“Whatever resources they want, I’ll go out of my way to ensure that they’re provided with it.” 

He also mentioned that he has received updates on proposals for a Castletroy garda station and the cutting of opening hours at Mayorstone garda station in the city. He said: “I got an update on Mayorstone garda station, and the objective is to ensure that we get more gardaí on the street. That may require the hours of a station to be reduced. 

“In terms of Castletroy, every representative has been campaigning vigorously, it’s an issue that is with the Office of Public Works (OPW) in terms of identifying a suitable location. 

“I was in Newcastle West and you can see the benefit and the need for new garda stations and there is a process in place to ensuring we do get new stations, and Castletroy will be on that list.”

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Others present included Willie O’Dea TD, Kieran O’Hanlon TD, Senator Maria Byrne, Senator Dee Ryan and Niall Collins TD, who accompanied Minister O’Callaghan to Newcastle West. 

Minister Collins said: “I thank my colleague Minister O'Callaghan for coming to county Limerick to see first-hand the progress being made on the new Garda District HQ.

“It is great to see the progress being made on the building. It will be an absolute game-changer in terms of crime and policing here and construction is set to be completed towards the end of next year.

“I know in county Limerick, as is the case right around the country, we want to see more gardaí out in public and we will do everything we can to support that.”

Minister O'Callaghan also went to Limerick Chamber offices in O'Connell St, where he met with Limerick Chamber president, Mairead Connolly, vice president, Maria Gleeson, CEO, Michelle Gallagher and chief economist and director of policy, Sean Golden.

Others present included representatives from the local retail and hospitality sectors, each voicing concerns about public safety in the city’s core business district.

Chamber president Mairead Connolly said: “The evolving landscape of urban challenges, particularly those arising from concentrations of social service provision and the prevalence of organised crime-related concerns, require a collaborative, multi-departmental response to deliver safer outcomes for the entire community.

“We also want to acknowledge the dedication of the local Gardaí, who continue to serve our community with professionalism and resolve. Their presence and unwavering commitment are essential as we strive to build a safer, more vibrant Limerick.”

Looking ahead to Budget 2026, Limerick Chamber advocated for stronger investment in garda resources, with an emphasis on sustained city-centre presence and flexible policing measures that reflect the realities of a growing urban hub.

Commenting after the meeting, Mairead Connolly said: “Safety is the foundation of a thriving city. We’re proud to lead on this issue and engage constructively with Minister O’Callaghan and government to secure practical, immediate improvements for Limerick. Limerick Chamber is committed to championing both economic growth and social wellbeing for our city.”