Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

I raise the issue of criminal gangs in Limerick, which I have previously raised on a number of occasions. There is an ongoing feud in the Ballinacurra-Weston area on the southside of the city. We also have an ongoing issue in the King's Island area. In fairness to the Government, it has in the past put resources into the King's Island area under Operation Cobalt, Operation Croí and other operations. Unfortunately, those operations have finished. I understand the resources from King's Island have been transferred to Ballinacurra-Weston. They are needed there, but are also needed in the King's Island area.

In the past week or so, I have written to the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, and the Minister for Justice, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. I also spoke to local gardaí in Limerick, including the chief superintendent. They are deeply concerned. I am asking specifically that we give additional funding to the King's Island area to ensure that the hard-working people in those areas are protected and safe in their homes. We also need to deal with the feud in Ballinacurra-Weston. We need additional resources in both those areas.

I commend the community workers and those working in the services in those areas, who are doing their best in a difficult situation.

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