A FULLY-ARMED Garda unit, described by gardaí as the first of its kind in the country, will be deployed on the streets of Limerick in the coming weeks.
Senior gardaí are finalising details concerning the rolling out of the new Regional Support Unit, which it is understood will comprise 24 members, including four sergeants.
The new unit will maintain a "highly-visible" presence.
All members have received specialised training in the use of firearms, surveillance and in hostage situations.
It is expected the new unit, which will work in tandem with members of the Garda's Emergency Response Unit, will be in place within the next fortnight.
The Joint Policing Committee will be briefed on the operations of the new Regional Response Unit at its next meeting in October.
The chairman of the policing committee Cllr Kevin Kiely believes the new unit will be a positive step in continuing the battle against criminality.
"This is a pilot scheme, and from what I know, if it is successful it will spread to other parts of the country as well," explained Mr Kiely.
Meanwhile, two people were in Garda custody in Limerick last night following the discovery of a handgun and 350 rounds of ammunition in the city yesterday.
Gardaí carried out searches of two properties in the Ballynanty area early yesterday morning as part of their ongoing investigations into criminality in the city.
A woman in her 30s was being questioned about the discovery of the 350 rounds of assorted ammunition found at one of the premises.
A .38-calibre revolver was found at a second property, and a man in his 20s was arrested in relation to the discovery of the firearm.
Senior gardaí described the haul as "substantial and significant".
Both people were being held for questioning at Mayorstone Garda station in Limerick under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.