Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

I raise the issue of the lack of gardaí in Limerick city and the perceived lack of a Garda response. In recent days, I have spoken to many community leaders who have all used the same words - "tense", "fear" and "dread" - to describe the situation. It is not fair that communities are left like this. This week alone, I was contacted by several constituents. One said a car was speeding around the area all day and there were no gardaí about. Another resident said that five motorbikes were speeding around doing wheelies since that morning and they could not get through to the Garda station. I know people in other areas will say this also but we need more gardaí in Limerick. When the new recruits come out of Templemore the Tánaiste has to ensure their deployment is not only based on population but on need. Limerick has that need. I am making several specific requests today, one of which is for more gardaí for Limerick from among those coming out of Templemore. The gardaí in Limerick do a fantastic job when they are available but they cannot be deployed or respond if they do not exist.

I ask specifically that the Tánaiste support an application that has been made for CCTV for the Garryowen area. Garryowen is a large area.

Deputy Maurice Quinlivan: I want to raise the issue of the lack of gardaí

It is caught between two areas where there are cameras so everything is being concentrated in Garryowen. I request additional gardaí for Limerick and CCTV for Garryowen.

See this speech in context