Limerick

A Year of Resolve and Action – How An Garda Síochána in County Limerick Stepped Up in 2025
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In 2025, the Limerick Division of An Garda Síochána faced both long-standing challenges and emerging threats. From organised crime interventions and infrastructure upgrades to community policing and mental-health partnerships, the Division’s work reflected a multifaceted strategy to keep people safe, visible and supported across urban and rural parts of the county. Below is a deeper look at some of the most significant efforts and achievements.

Targeting Organised Crime & High-Risk Offending
On 13 January 2025, Gardaí executed a major operation targeting an Organised Crime Group (OCG) linked to high-value vehicle thefts and commercial/domestic burglaries in Limerick City. A man in his 30s was arrested and cannabis worth approximately €6,500 along with cash was seized.

In September 2025, a further operation on 3 September resulted in the arrest of a man in his 20s associated with business and residential burglaries and high-value vehicle thefts.

These operations underscore a consistent approach: using intelligence-led tactics, coordinating between regional units and deploying search and arrest powers under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.2. Strategic Infrastructure & InvestmentOn 14 January 2025, the new three-storey District Headquarters for Limerick in Newcastle West was formally commenced. This development, led by the Office of Public Works (OPW) with An Garda Síochána, is part of a wider programme to modernise policing infrastructure with efficiency and future-readiness in mind.

In February 2025, the Pallaskenry Garda Station reopened following major renovation works including enhanced accessibility, solar-panel installation, EV charging point, LED lighting and insulation upgrades.

These investments matter: improving officer condition, public experience, visibility and the capacity for modern policing.

Community Policing, Wellbeing & Collaborative Initiatives
‍In 2025, the Limerick Division of An Garda Síochána faced both long-standing challenges and emerging threats. From organised crime interventions and infrastructure upgrades to community policing and mental-health partnerships, the Division’s work reflected a multifaceted strategy to keep people safe, visible and supported across urban and rural parts of the county. Below is a deeper look at some of the most significant efforts and achievements.

Targeting Organised Crime & High-Risk Offending\On
On 13 January 2025, Gardaí executed a major operation targeting an Organised Crime Group (OCG) linked to high-value vehicle thefts and commercial/domestic burglaries in Limerick City. A man in his 30s was arrested and cannabis worth approximately €6,500 along with cash was seized.

In September 2025, a further operation on 3 September resulted in the arrest of a man in his 20s associated with business and residential burglaries and high-value vehicle thefts.

These operations underscore a consistent approach: using intelligence-led tactics, coordinating between regional units and deploying search and arrest powers under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.2. Strategic Infrastructure & InvestmentOn 14 January 2025, the new three-storey District Headquarters for Limerick in Newcastle West was formally commenced. This development, led by the Office of Public Works (OPW) with An Garda Síochána, is part of a wider programme to modernise policing infrastructure with efficiency and future-readiness in mind.

In February 2025, the Pallaskenry Garda Station reopened following major renovation works including enhanced accessibility, solar-panel installation, EV charging point, LED lighting and insulation upgrades.

These investments matter: improving officer condition, public experience, visibility and the capacity for modern policing.

Community Policing, Wellbeing & Collaborative Initiatives
The launch of the pilot Community Access Support Team (CAST) in Limerick, a joint initiative between the Gardaí and the Health Service Executive (HSE) Mid-West, is transforming how policing intersects with mental-health and trauma intervention. Although officially announced in October 2024, it became fully operational and visible in 2025.

In May 2025, a major “Day of Action” in Pallaskenry and Askeaton resulted in 37 arrests, led by over 40 officers from the Community Engagement Area, Divisional Roads Policing Unit and Regional Armed Support Unit.

The Division also made significant strides in enhancing station accessibility, increasing visibility of patrols and improving interaction with local communities — all key to building public trust and demonstrating presence beyond enforcement.

Road Safety & Enforcement Actions
A day of action specifically included both community focused checks and traffic enforcement – arrests were made for outstanding warrants and driving offences alike.

While specific road-traffic numerical stats are not fully published for 2025 in Limerick, the Division’s inclusion of traffic units alongside crime units signals recognition of road safety as integral to broader community policing and safety outcomes.

Resourcing, Recruitment & Challenges
On 30 July 2025, it was announced that an additional 20 Gardaí would be deployed to Limerick from the recent graduate intake, aimed at strengthening beat patrols and community presence.

Despite this, concerns remain: Stakeholders warn of depletion in the Divisional Drugs Unit’s staffing, with one representative stating that while detections of “possession of drugs for sale or supply” increased by 9 % year-to-date, staffing reductions continue to impact operational reach across the county.

Meanwhile, on a national level, a second recruitment campaign for 2025 was launched in September to help meet the target of recruiting 5,000 new Gardaí over five years.

Strategic Alignment & Future Direction
The work of Limerick Division in 2025 reflects the broader national policing priorities: reducing crime, enhancing detection, increasing visibility, and engaging proactively with communities.
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Key strategic pillars include:
Visibility and accessibility: infrastructure upgrades, extra patrols, community initiatives.
Enforcement of serious crime: targeting OCGs, large-scale arrests, drug operations.
Partnership working: mental-health collaboration, HSE, multi-agency traffic operations.
Resource investment: new recruits, station modernisation, but facing staffing pressures.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities & Imperatives
With the infrastructure and staffing investments underway, Limerick is better positioned for enhanced service—but the bar is high. The evolving nature of organised crime, drug supply, rural crime and anti-social behaviour means the Division must remain agile.

Strengthening the beat-level policing presence and community engagement will be crucial to maintaining public confidence.

Addressing resource shortfalls, particularly in specialist units (e.g., drugs) and rural deployment, will be key to breaking cyclical threats and fast-moving crime.

Integrating modern policing tools (e.g., body-worn cameras, improved evidence-management systems) and digital-first engagement will shape how the Division adapts to the next decade.

Conclusion
For the people of County Limerick, the message from An Garda Síochána in 2025 is unequivocal: policing is evolving, proactive and responsive. Whether it’s high-profile crime busts, knocking on doors in local communities, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder with mental-health services, the Gardaí in Limerick are working hard to keep residents, businesses and visitors safe and supported.