Justice Minister Simon Harris described the scenes as being “absolutely unacceptable”.
Gardaí are investigating what they describe as “a serious public order incident” which occurred in Limerick on Monday (19 December).
An Garda Síochána said it received reports of a number of vehicles engaged in dangerous driving on the R523 Road in Rathkeale town and attended the scene.
“Responding Gardaí directed a large number of people present to disperse and closed the road for examination,” a Garda spokesperson said.
Speaking to Today with Claire Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick Niall Collins described the incident as “truly shocking”.
“On the street, there was an incident where about six SUVs were rammed – pretty much totalled. They look like they’re right-offs,” he told the programme.
“There was debris strewn all over the street, spread over possibly an area of 150 yards to 200 yards.”
Justice Minister Simon Harris also described the scenes as “absolutely unacceptable”.
The scenes in Rathkeale yesterday were absolutely unacceptable.
The Armed Support Unit was deployed rapidly, and I’ve been assured an enhanced policing presence will continue to be part of the policing plan over Christmas to ensure order is maintained in the town.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 20, 2022
According to Gardaí, a number of vehicles abandoned in the road were seized by officers and taken for technical examination.
Currently, no arrests have been made as investigations are ongoing.
As part of the probe, Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
They are also urging any person in the Rathkeale area between 2pm and 4pm who may have video footage or photographs, including road users, to make those materials available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Rathkeale Garda Station on 069 63 222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
“I’ve been assured an enhanced policing presence will continue to be part of the policing plan over Christmas to ensure order is maintained in the town,” Harris also said of Rathkeale.
Main image via Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie
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