Limerick City would be "uniquely suitable" as a test case for a policy of zero tolerance on public order offences, the National Crime Forum heard yesterday. A closed circuit TV system should be put in operation on city centre streets and a proper communications channel with the support, monitoring and response of the gardai should be introduced to fight urban crime, according to the Limerick Chamber of Commerce.
Limerick had received a poor image although crime in the city was no greater than in any other part of Ireland, as statistics had shown, the chamber's president, Mr Pat Kearney, said. However, there was perception locally and nationally that crime was at "an unacceptably high level".
"Limerick city and its environs would be uniquely suitable as a test case for pursuing a policy of zero tolerance in relation to public order offences", he said. "First, it has a problem with criminal activity which is rooted in lack of respect for law and order amongst a certain section of the community.
"Secondly, the scale of the problem is such that a relatively small number of gardai would be assigned to tackle these specific problems and the results could be easily monitored."
Mr Kearney said there was inadequate Garda manpower and presence in mobile and foot patrols on the streets of cities, towns and villages around the State. Gardai should be deployed for the duties they were specifically trained for rather than the "growing plethora of non-Garda duties".
The private sector had drawn up proposals for a CCTV monitoring system for Limerick, which would cost an estimated £280,000 to introduce and £69,000 per year to monitor. The project was being examined by the chamber's task group on crime and quality of life.
Mr James Kenny, vice-president of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce, said crime was out of control in the city and a CCTV scheme was crucial. Gardai were under-resourced and there were communication problems between gardai and businesses. Businesses relied heavily on security men who were untrained, had no legal status and needed to be licensed.
Mr Michael Murray, chief State solicitor for Limerick, said a co-ordinated approach to law and order was needed in Limerick which was unique in terms of its demographics and the scale of the problem.
Although "zero tolerance" was an unsuitable phrase, he believed there should be an initiative to combat crime, particularly public order offences.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Joe Egan said CCTV had been introduced in Temple Bar and O'Connell Street in Dublin, Bray and Tralee. Although gardai supported the scheme, there were problems regarding its implementation.