A Limerick publican has said law and order is breaking down in Newcastle West, in the wake of a shocking firework incident in the town
The publican said he was “embarrassed” at the violent scene, adding, “a bus load of people after visiting our town in their 60/70’s were attacked by this mob with fireworks”. Mr Whelan claimed in another tweet that there was “absolutely 0 garda presence in the town”. A local source said a group of local teens have been “terrorising” the town all year round.
Last Halloween, chair of a local joint policing committee, Fine Gael Cllr, Adam Teskey, appealed for extra gardai after violent scenes of youths upturning cars, and firing fireworks and other missiles at vehicles, were filmed in the town and shared on social media.“It is being actively investigated and I would encourage anyone with any knowledge of the incident or CCTV footage in the area to please provide it to the Guards,” added Minster O’Donovan.
In 2015, the Garda Representative Association said Newcastle West Garda Station was infested with rats and “unfit for purpose”. Gardai continued campaigning or a better garda station in the town and seven years later, in September 2022, the justice minster Helen McEntee, accompanied by Minster O’Donovan, launched plans to demolish the town’s garda station and replace it.
Gardai Gardaí received report of a number of youths discharging fireworks on Maiden Street, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick at approximately 11:25pm on Saturday, 30th September 2023.