Limerick Chamber welcomes launch of High Visibility Policing Plan for Limerick City Centre

Limerick Chamber welcomes launch of High Visibility Policing Plan for Limerick City Centre. Chief Superintendent Derek Smart, President of Limerick Chamber, Mairead Connolly, Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Region, Eileen Foster, Vice President of Limerick Chamber, Maria Gleeson, Director of Policy of Limerick Chamber, Seán Golden, Andrew Lacey Superintendent

Limerick Chamber, the largest business organisation in the Mid-West, has welcomed the launch of An Garda Siochana’s High Visibility Policing (HVP) Plan for Limerick city centre

Limerick Chamber said An Garda Siochana’s High Visibility Policing (HVP) Plan is a practical and timely measure that will strengthen public reassurance, support local businesses, and enhance the day-to-day experience of living, working, studying and visiting in the city.

Speaking on behalf of Limerick Chamber, Sean Golden, Chief Economist and Director of Policy said, “Limerick Chamber welcomes this hugely positive news regarding the commencement of a dedicated High Visibility Policing Plan in Limerick city centre. This is a clear, operational response that will help build confidence for shoppers, workers, residents and visitors, and it supports the wider ambition for a thriving, safe and welcoming city centre.

Importantly, this outcome reflects continued, sustained engagement by the Chamber with key stakeholders, and consistent lobbying for boosted high-visibility policing – because visibility, responsiveness and predictability on the ground matter to footfall, to staff wellbeing, and to business investment decisions.

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Over the past number of years, we have had extremely positive engagement with Garda? in the Limerick division, as well as with the Minister for Justice, the Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Region and the Chief Superintendent for the Limerick Division  and we thank them for their collaboration and support throughout”

The Chamber noted the plan’s focus on public order offences and persistent city-centre issues such as anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, persistent panhandling and shoplifting, describing this as “aligned with what businesses and the public have been reporting through regular feedback channels.”

Limerick Chamber emphasised that the plan’s impact will depend on sustained delivery and ongoing collaboration saying, “We look forward to continued structured engagement with An Garda Siochana and partners to ensure this plan is embedded, outcomes are tracked, and learnings are used to strengthen city-centre policing over time. A vibrant city centre requires visible safety and swift response alongside broader social and regeneration measures.”

The Chamber also welcomed the analysis-led approach described by An Garda Siochana based on calls for service, crime trends and community and business feedback – and said this should remain central to future decisions on resourcing and patrol deployment.

In other news, Limerick Chamber has expressed its strong support for Limerick City and County Council’s decision to implement safety improvements at the O’Connell Street junction with Bedford Row and Thomas Street. The planned works include the reinstatement of a new signalised, controlled pedestrian crossing at this key city centre location.

The Chamber highlighted that the addition of a controlled crossing at this busy junction is a practical and necessary step to ensure the safe movement of pedestrians through one of Limerick’s main shopping and hospitality areas.  These improvements are expected to benefit a wide range of city users, including shoppers, workers, residents and visitors.

Seán Golden, Chief Economist and Director of Policy at Limerick Chamber, commented, “We fully support the Council’s impending works to enhance safety at this busy junction, including reinstatement of a signalised pedestrian crossing. A thriving shopping street depends on people being able to move confidently and safely, especially during peak times. Safe,  uninterrupted crossings are essential for connecting both sides of a major retail area, accessible and convenience for everyone.  When crossings are clear, direct and user-friendly, we see increased footfall, longer dwell time, and a more inviting city centre. We look forward to the completion of these works and encourage further targeted safety measures along O’Connell Street to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for shoppers and visitors, particularly in areas currently lacking safe crossing points.”

Limerick Chamber emphasised that pedestrian safety and permeability are critical to fostering a vibrant city centre economy.  These improvements will not only support retail performance but also strengthen the night time economy, and enhance the overall experience for tourists and day visitors.

Limerick Chamber continues to advocate for initiatives that prioritise pedestrian safety and accessibility, recognising their importance in creating a thriving, welcoming and economically robust city centre.