Council and gardai launch joint operation targeting criminality in Limerick town

A JOINT operation between An Garda Síochána and Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) to tackle ongoing crime in the Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District has been announced.

Operation Silverside will bring about a “proper policing plan” to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the area following the events that occurred in Rathkeale at Christmas time in 2022 which saw violence between rival families in the town.

The operation, which was confirmed at this Friday's meeting of the Limerick Joint Policing Committee, seeks to increase the garda presence and improve the focus on a series of projects in the coming weeks.

Fire service tackle blaze at house in Limerick town

As part of Operation Silverside, the local authority will increase resources in the area to address outstanding environmental, enforcement and planning matters while continuing to target littering. It will also undertake a review of current CCTV operations and change estate-management routines as part of the operation.

Chairperson of the JPC and Fine Gael councillor for Adare/Rathkeale,  Adam Teskey, has welcomed the launch of the new operation.

“It’s a good day that we have now put together a cohesive approach between both the local authority and An Garda Síochána which will also engage with the wider community…”

Operation Silverside will see engagement with the HSE, Tusla, the church and other local community bodies to help prevent and tackle crime in the area.

“It’s important that this now takes place for the future… I think it is a stepping stone in preventing and reducing crime.

“Those people who perpetrate and carry out crime, if you don’t stop, we will stop you,” Cllr Teskey mentioned.

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During the JPC meeting, Cllr Teskey commended the work that gardai did in the area following the violent events in Rathkeale late last year.

He also commended acting Minister for Justice Simon Harris for visiting the town shortly after the events but would urge him to re-visit as soon as possible as Cllr Teskey mentioned that Rathkeale is a great Limerick town.

The operation has been described as being non-political for operational reasons.