Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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174. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on organised crime in Limerick city, the resources needed by the Garda and the additional steps that can be taken to interrupt drug gang activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22421/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Tackling drug dealing and targeting the work of organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation and violence on families and communities, is a top priority for my Department.While the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation of resources to a given area or specialist unit, unprecedented funding has been provided to An Garda Síochána, which has enabled the Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime.

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) leads in tackling all forms of drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs in Ireland. The GNDOCB was established in 2015. In its first ten years of operation the unit seized €627 million in illicit drugs, 171 firearms and 6,586 rounds of ammunition, and made 1,722 arrests.

Gardaí attached to the Limerick Division are committed to targeting organised criminal groups and individuals involved in the sale and supply of illegal drugs. Operation Tara was established in 2021 by Commissioner Harris, to tackle the importation, distribution, cultivation, production and the sale and supply of controlled drugs at an international, national and local level which is ongoing.

As part of Operation Tara, on 6 May 2025, Gardaí from the Limerick Divisional Drug Unit, in conjunction with other Limerick Regional Units, stopped a vehicle in the Galvone area. During the search, Gardaí discovered cannabis herb with an estimated street value of €30,000.

A follow-up search was conducted at a nearby premises. During this search, Gardaí recovered an estimated €350,000 worth of cannabis, €150,000 worth of cocaine, approximately €30,000 in cash, close to 200 rounds of firearms ammunition and other drug-related paraphernalia. Three men were arrested.

In addition to Operation Tara, Gardaí have advised that they are carrying out a range of both high-visibility and covert operations on an ongoing basis to support public safety in Limerick. Operation Croi has been in place in Limerick city centre, targeting anti-social behaviour and associated offences, including drug-related and traffic-related offences. This Garda Operation assists in targeting recidivist crime and the sale and supply of drugs in Limerick City centre.

Operation Feabhsaigh was initiated in September 2023. Its two key priorities were:

• enforcement and crime prevention at King's Islands Historic Quarter, which includes city centre locations, and;
• the sale and supply of drugs, open drug use, chronic anti-social behaviour, aggressive begging and crime in St. Mary's Park.