Limerick City and County Council in partnership with An Garda Síochána plan to launch a new 15 seater mini bus that will serve all sections of the community across the Limerick garda division.

The new minibus has been jointly funded by Limerick City and County Council and An Garda Síochána and will allow Gardaí to engage directly with local community groups.

This free service will see a Garda driver bringing groups to and from outings and functions.

The minibus is expected to be operational by May 2020 and will transfer to the Garda Fleet and become a Garda vehicle. On-going operational costs will come from the Garda budget, while at all times the vehicle will be driven by a Garda member.

Speaking at the Limerick Joint Policing Committee meeting in Merchant’s Quay today [21 Feb 2020], Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche said: “I am delighted that An Garda Síochána will be able to provide this service to the local community in Limerick. Schools, elderly groups, youth clubs and sports clubs are just some of the groups that will benefit. Providing this service will give us a great opportunity to enhance our existing strong links within the community”.

Gordon Daly, Director of Community Development with Limerick City and County Council said: “The community are the big winners here particularly those most vulnerable in the city and county. The new community bus will allow numerous communities and individuals across Limerick to remain connected and provide a safe much needed support for the young and old. The Council is very happy to work with An Garda Síochána to provide this service. The project will deliver on fostering a culture of social inclusion and the creation of a worthwhile project of civic and community value in both the City and the County. The project shows the value of working collaboratively and once again highlights the close working relationship between the Council and the Gardaí for the betterment of the community as a whole.”