LCBA @ the Chamber teams up with An Garda Siochana for new city centre pilot project
A pilot project within the Limerick city centre has been introduced seeing four dedicated Gardai employed on a full time basis during key retail working hours. Working in collaboration with Limerick City Business Association at Limerick Chamber and Henry Street Garda Station the new initiative will address issues such as shoplifting, street begging and street collections.
The new pilot project will also focus on forging strong links between retail owners and the security staff that operate within the various stores in the city and the Garda Siochana.
Speaking at the launch of the Garda pilot initiative Superintendent Daniel Keane said: “In Limerick’s year as National City of Culture 2014 we are committed to ensuring a visible Garda presence on our main city thoroughfares. Chief Superintendent Dave Sheahan and I are committed to this pilot project and have committed resources to ensure its success.
“We hope the pilot will enhance the sense of security in our city centre and we look forward to developing strong working relationships with traders and businesses over the coming months”, he added.
The four Gardai who will operate this city centre initiative from 10am to 6pm every day of the week are: Garda Anne Cronin, Garda Louise Jordan, Henry Street, Garda Diane McAuley, and Garda Esther Stokes all based out of Henry Street Garda Station. The pilot project will be co-ordinated by Sergeant Ollie Kennedy if the Community Policing division at Henry Street.
Helen O’Donnell, Chair of the Limerick City Business Association, said: “Over recent months we have developed a very good relationship with Chief Superintendent Dave Sheahan and his team at Henry St. We are delighted that this pilot initiative is being introduced and look forward to continuing to work on behalf of traders in the city centre when it comes to issues regarding security, safety and the day to day working of Limerick city”.
“It is important that traders and business make the effort to get to know the four Gardai that have been assigned the new daily Garda beat in the city centre. This initiative is a first for the city and the success of the pilot depends on all parties concerned playing their part”, she added.
The Limerick City Business Association and the Garda Siochana would welcome the views of the retail sector or indeed the public on the effectiveness of this new initiative along with any suggestions as to how it can be developed further.
Any queries, views or feedback can be forwarded to the District Officer at Henry Street Garda Station or to the Limerick City Business Association based at Limerick Chamber.
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