Ryan calls for return of Gardaí to frontline policing in Limerick

Fianna Fáil Senator Dee Ryan has renewed her call for the redeployment of gardaí currently assigned to non-core security duties at Mulgrave Street Courthouse in Limerick.

 

Speaking in the Seanad this week, Senator Ryan highlighted that gardaí currently seconded from Henry Street station are tied up with courthouse security duties — a task that in other parts of the country is managed by private security firms.

 

“We are crying out for more gardaí on the beat in Limerick. They know our communities, they are deeply engaged, and their presence directly improves safety. That’s why it is simply unacceptable that 16 of them are tied down in non-core roles that should be civilianised.”

 

Senator Ryan pointed to the findings of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which made a  recommendation to remove gardaí from non-core policing duties wherever possible.

 

"One of the most important recommendations the Commission made was on the removal of gardaí, where appropriate, from non-core policing duties allowing us to free up our precious limited resource and get them back to the important core policing duties that we all need and rely on them to do.''

 

In response, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan stated that the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland is something that he wants to see implemented.

 

"I have included a provision in the general scheme of the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which I published two weeks ago, that seeks to ensure that we have more remote hearings for criminal charges, particularly remand hearings. I hope that will result in fewer members of An Garda Síochána having to turn up in court, whether it is Limerick courthouse in Mulgrave Street or any other courthouse around the country.'' Minister O'Callaghan went on to say that ultimately it is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

 

“This is a simple, practical step that can be taken now. Let’s allow private security to do the job they are already doing elsewhere, and let our Gardaí do what they do best — keeping our streets and communities safe," concluded Senator Ryan.