Halloween policing plan to ensure Limerick town is ghostly quiet
SENIOR Limerick gardai have revealed a "robust" policing plan for Newcastle West to scare away criminals over Halloween.
The town hit the headlines last year after gangs of marauding youths overturned a car, smashed windscreens and set off screamers in The Square. Cllr Tom Ruddle said at the time that the scenes were reminiscent of the horror film The Purge.
Cllr Ruddle raised what occurred last year at a meeting of the Joint Policing Sub-Committee of the Municipal District of Newcastle West this Wednesday.
“What actions are being taken? There were mitigating circumstances last year with the tragic crash out the road. A lot of work has been done since then. We don’t want to go back,” said Cllr Ruddle.
Recently-appointed superintendent for County Limerick, Ollie Kennedy said they have put in place a “robust operation”. He said shortly after he took up the role, Dermot Cummins, Sergeant for Newcastle West, was knocking on his door with regard to a plan for Halloween.
“Halloween is on a Tuesday night this year. Our plan will start on the previous Friday night and end on Wednesday morning. It will be led overall by Inspector Barry Manton and Sgt Cummins will take the lead in Newcastle West,” said Supt Kennedy, who handed over to Sgt Cummins for the finer details.
The garda sergeant said they will enact a local plan under the nationwide Operation Tombola which is focused on the prevention and detection of the sale of fireworks and associated public order and anti-social behaviour issues during the Halloween period. The local plan incorporates Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Rathkeale, Askeaton and Croom.
“We have the resources - one inspector, two sergeants and 12 gardai. There will be six mobile patrol units and two gardai on high visibility beat patrols in Newcastle West - in The Square and in estates. We have identified hot spots. If any issues arise we will have the resources available,” said Sgt Cummins.
If there is a tragic event like last year, Sgt Cummins said they can call in further support from Bruff and Limerick city if required.
Cllr Ruddle said he was “delighted to hear that”.
Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy told the meeting that a number of individuals have been charged with serious offences and are before the courts in relation to what occurred last Halloween in Newcastle West.
All the councillors welcomed the developments with Cllr Michael Collins saying the events last year were completely unacceptable and he was glad they are a “high priority” this Halloween.