Councillors slam “criminal behaviour” in estates

LIMERICK city councillors have highlighted the problems experienced by local residents because of anti-social behaviour in certain housing estates. Independent Councillor Pat Kennedy stated that some residents were engaging in “really serious criminal behaviour” and this was “causing huge problems for people who want to live in their own area but are being forced out by people as young as ten years old.”

In relation to regeneration areas, Cllr Kennedy commented: “People will not come back unless we can ensure that they can live safely and have a reasonable quality of life.”
Fianna Fáil Councillor Kieran O’Hanlon said it was alarming that “1,000 gardai have been encouraged to take three years leave” and pointed out: “If you don’t have gardai to patrol and manage these areas, you’re looking into another failure.
Fine Gael Councillor Jim Long revealed: “Small gangs are operating in every estate and they control every estate.”