Limerick Chamber champions visible policing strategies for Limerick City Centre in high profile meeting with Minister for Justice

Limerick Chamber champions visible policing strategies for Limerick City Centre in high-profile meeting with Minister for Justice

Limerick Chamber has reaffirmed its commitment to Limerick City Centre by hosting a high-profile meeting with Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD

Limerick Chamber has reaffirmed its commitment to Limerick City Centre in terms of public safety and business vitality by hosting a high-profile meeting with Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, at its offices on O’Connell Street, Limerick on Monday, May 26. Limerick Chamber used the opportunity to strongly advocate for improved visible policing strategies in the City Centre.

In attendance were Limerick Chamber President, Mairead Connolly; Vice President, Maria Gleeson; CEO, Michelle Gallagher; and Chief Economist and Director of Policy, Sean Golden; as well as representatives from the local retail and hospitality sectors; each voicing concerns about public safety in the city’s core business district.

Central to the discussion was a call for redeploying a number of Gardaí currently stationed at Limerick Courthouse on Mulgrave Street. Limerick Chamber proposed adopting a private security model, which has proven effective at Dublin’s Criminal Courts of Justice. This measure would free up Gardaí for on-street patrols, boosting visibility and reassurance for businesses and residents alike in the core city centre.

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The need for a dedicated city-specific Community Engagement Van for Limerick also featured prominently. Currently shared with Tipperary, this key resource limits proactive engagement in the city. Limerick Chamber highlighted the van’s positive impact and stressed that, even with a small team, having one assigned solely to Limerick would significantly strengthen community policing efforts.

Broader resourcing issues were also addressed. Limerick Chamber called for increased Garda numbers and more flexible deployment options, including additional overtime funding. With a new wave of Garda graduates due from Templemore in June, Limerick Chamber urged that city-specific crime rates be considered when assigning personnel.

While acknowledging the success of certain targeted initiatives such as CAST (Community Access Support Team) for those experiencing a mental health crisis or situational trauma, Limerick Chamber pressed for a better balance of resources, ensuring that street-level visibility keeps pace with community needs, especially in urban areas facing challenges related to social services and organised crime.

Limerick Chamber President Mairead Connolly stressed that, “The evolving landscape of urban challenges, particularly those arising from concentrations of social service provision and the prevalence of organised crime related concerns, require a collaborative, multi-departmental response to deliver safer outcomes for the entire community.

We also want to acknowledge the dedication of the local Gardaí, who continue to serve our community with professionalism and resolve. Their presence and unwavering commitment are essential as we strive to build a safer, more vibrant Limerick.”

Looking ahead to Budget 2026, Limerick Chamber advocated for stronger investment in Garda resources, with an emphasis on sustained city-centre presence and flexible policing measures that reflect the realities of a growing urban hub. Throughout the meeting, Limerick Chamber underscored its commitment to driving both local economic growth and positive social impact by securing a robust and responsive safety framework.

Commenting after the meeting, Mairead Connolly said: “Safety is the foundation of a thriving city. We’re proud to lead on this issue and engage constructively with Minister O’Callaghan and government to secure practical, immediate improvements for Limerick. Limerick Chamber is committed to championing both economic growth and social wellbeing for our city.”

This strategic engagement marks a significant step in the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to create a safe, welcoming, and prosperous environment for all who live, work, and visit Limerick City Centre.