Limerick City and County Council and An Garda Síochána have established a task force as part of Operation Copóg aimed at assisting the community in the St. Mary's Park area of Limerick City. The joint operation will see Limerick City and County Council focusing specifically on a series of projects in the coming weeks, while An Garda Síochána are allocating additional resources to policing the area.
The series of projects being undertaken by the Council include:
- The demolition of 12 derelict houses on St. Munchin’s Street
- The demolition of a derelict premises formerly operating as a takeaway
- Removal of any unauthorised structures on Council-owned land and open spaces in St. Munchin’s Street
- Removal of palisade fencing on St. Munchin’s Street to improve the appearance of the street
Four new Community Gardaí have been assigned to the operation that is solely focused on drugs and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The four Gardaí on Operation Copóg will be deployed on high visibility patrols to increase community engagement, deter drug activity and assist the local community in St. Mary's Park.
Gardaí from the Henry Street District and the Divisional Drug Unit will also continue to carry out regular patrols of the area.
Throughout this operation, Limerick City and County Council will be liaising with residents through the local Regeneration Committee regarding the work programme.
Limerick City and County Council staff will also be liaising with Gardaí on daily basis regarding the operation.
Launching the operation Dr Pat Daly, Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council said: “We are accelerating our plans in St. Mary’s Park which will see the demolition of 12 houses in St. Munchin’s Street as part of the taskforce. By working together we can support the residents of St. Mary’s Park, who deserve to be free from the twin scourges of drugs and anti-social behaviour.”
“The Council will play its part in helping to improve the environment in St. Mary’s Park and I’m also calling on the private owners of derelict properties to engage with the Council to develop a plan for their development. We also need the support of the local residents and we are asking them to report any incidents of criminal activity or anti-social behaviour, so they can be dealt with.”
Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche, Limerick Garda Division said: “We are 100% focused on stopping drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in all parts of Limerick. Unfortunately some of the derelict buildings in the St. Mary's Park area have attracted drug use and we intend on stamping this out with the help of the Council and the local community. Drugs have such a negative impact on so many lives and have no place in our community. We would ask that if you notice any drug activity, that you report it to Gardaí immediately.”