New armed garda unit deployed in Limerick

The units, which will be based in Limerick and Cork, are second-tier firearms response teams and are made up of uniformed gardaí, who will arm themselves and change into tactical outfits in response to an emergency call.

Twenty gardai and detectives from the Limerick region have been in training for the past six months to form the new Regional Support Unit and they are now set to complement the services of the Limerick-based 12 members of the ERU.

These gardai have received special training in firearms and surveillance and will be operating in Limerick 24/7.

Superintendent John Kerin said the presence of the ERU will be reduced in the city but they will be called on when needed by the gardai.

“The Regional Support Unit will have a highly visible presence in the estates at key times daily, dressed in distinctive uniforms. People will definitely know they’re there. They have been trained in virtually every type of weapon, both lethal and non lethal,” said Supt Kerin.

Cllr Kevin Kiely, chairman of the Joint Policing Committee, has welcomed the announcement and applauded the local gardai for successfully tackling criminal activities since Operation Platinum this May, which involved the search of some 120 properties in the city and the consequent seizure of €250,000, ammunition and firearms.

“These officers will have responsibility for investigating and tackling crime in Limerick and the Mid-West. Whereas the members of the ERU were depending on advice from detectives, these officers are all from Limerick city and know all the main criminals,” said Cllr Kiely.

The Joint Policing Committee in Limerick are expected to be briefed on the operations of Regional Response Unit in Limerick at its next meeting in October.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has appointed five new faces to his junior ministerial team.

Peter Power of Limerick East takes on responsibility for Overseas Aid.

John Moloney of Laois Offaly goes to Equality and Disability.

Michael Finneran of Roscommon South Leitrim will be Minister for Housing.

Martin Mansergh of Tipperary South takes on responsibility for the Office of Public Works.

Dublin Mid-West’s John Curran becomes Minister for Drugs.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has said the number of junior ministries should be cut.

Mr Kenny said the number of Ministers of State had risen from seven to ten to 15 and is now more than 20.

He said some Ministers of State did not have areas of responsibility they could act independently on.

The other Ministers of State and their areas of special responsibility are:

Noel Ahern: Dept of Transport – Road Safety

Sean Power: Dept of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources – Information Society

Tony Killeen: Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food: Fisheries and forestry

Conor Lenihan: Depts of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Education and Justice – Integration policy

Mary Wallace: Dept of Health – Health Promotion and Food Safety

Sean Haughey: Dept of Education and Enterprise – Lifelong learning and School Transport

Michael Kitt: Dept of Environment, Heritage & Local Government – Local Services

Billy Kelleher: Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employment – Labour Affairs

John McGuinness: Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employment – Trade and Commerce

Jimmy Devins: Depts of Enterprise, Trade & Employment and Education & Science – Science and Technnology

Maire Hoctor: Depts of Health & Children, Social and Family Affairs and Environment & Local Government – Older People.