People in Limerick are afraid to leave their homes at night due to a “tidal wave” of anti-social behaviour, Willie O’Dea has told Newstalk Breakfast.
The Limerick TD said locals are under an “effective curfew” and do not feel secure in their own homes due to gangs of youths who have no regard for the law.
He said the rise in crime is linked to low Garda numbers in the city – and is urging the Government to increase funding and implement tough new laws to tackle the surge in anti-social behaviour in the city.
“There has been a noticeable increase, a tidal wave would be no exaggeration, of anti-social behaviour in Limerick,” said Deputy O'Dea.
“Gangs of young people are hanging around various areas at night and have no regard whatsoever for anyone’s rights, the rule of law, or Gardaí.
“Many elderly vulnerable people are constantly in touch with me about this situation and we’ve been holding meetings about how to combat this."
Fianna Fáil Deputy Willie O'Dea, Photo: RollingNews.ieDeputy O’Dea said “people are living in fear” in Limerick.
“They don’t feel secure in their own home at night," he said.
“If you're alone or elderly and vulnerable and gangs are hanging around, groups of youths in the vicinity of your house, they might break your window at any moment, or kick in your door.
“You might also feel that you are unable to go for a walk at night because these people are hanging around – of course, it affects your life.”
Security
The former Defence Minister said he wants "to combat what's happening" and make Limerick more safe.
“My focus at the moment is to find some way to make things easier and more bearable [for people] to live in peace and security in their own homes," he said.
“Naturally, on the policing side, we don’t have enough Gardaí to deal with the situation that is there.
“From my own personal experience, we have organised neighbourhood watch groups and WhatsApp groups but it’s not enough and we are stretched to our limits.”
Call on Government
The Fianna Fáil TD is calling for Government to help him.
“My job as a representative of the people who I represent in my constituency is to bring these matters to the attention of Government," he said.
“Do you really expect me, one singular backbencher in the three-party Government, to suddenly wave a magic wand and resolve all these problems?
“The problem is there are insufficient Garda numbers in Limerick and I think the laws are inadequate – it’s up to the Government to change that.”
There has also been an increase in shoplifting reported in Limerick City in recent months.
Main image: A Garda at work in Limerick, 17-3-23. Image: Ronin / Alamy Stock Photo
