Watch: Calls for extra gardaí for Rathkeale after arson attack

David Raleigh

A Fine Gael politician has called again for extra gardaí to be deployed to Rathkeale, Co Limerick, following an arson attack on a camper van in the town.

The blaze broke out on Thomas Street in the town shortly after 9pm on Friday.

A video of the fire, as well as images of the charred remains of the camper van, were shared on social media.

Gardaí are investigating a motive for the attack, including that it may be linked to a dispute or tensions between rival local groups.

Local Fine Gael Councillor Adam Teskey said he has been calling for additional Garda resources for several years following a number of violent incidents in the area.

“Last night’s attack was another example of why we require additional Garda resources in Rathkeale. I’m blue in the face from saying it,” he said.

“We have all seen what these type of incidents can lead to, further serious violence, and we need extra Garda resources to effectively deal with it,” he said.

“I have previously asked the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner to provide these additional resources to Rathkeale and I would make that call, again."

The arson attack took place a short distance from Rathkeale Garda Station, however Cllr Teskey said: “The area does not have sufficient gardaí to be able to respond to serious incidents, if for example, they are dealing with a road traffic collision outside the town."

Gardaí said they are investigating the attack.

A Garda spokesman stated: “Gardaí received a report of criminal damage by fire to a camper van in Rathkeale, Co Limerick at around 9:10pm on 17th October 2025.”

“The fire was extinguished by Limerick Fire & Rescue. No injuries were reported. Investigations are ongoing,” added the spokesman.

Cllr Teskey said the town is braced for potential violent flare ups over the Christmas period when the town’s population increases with members of the Traveling community.

Violent scenes have marred the town’s image over successive years due to violence involving the community.

Families travel in large numbers to the town from abroad for the extended festive period into New Year.

In previous years special court sittings have been held, and armed support units within An Garda Síochána have been deployed to the town.

Special HSE triage clinics, staffed by a GP, nurse and administration personnel, have been also been provided in the town during the holiday season, providing services to both local families as well as visitors with established entitlement for services under the GMS Scheme, EHIC (Issued outside of Ireland) or NHS medical card holders.

The triage units were set up as a means to try to prevent potential major delays at the emergency department of University Hospital Limerick which is consistently the most overcrowded hospital nationally, and has remained so, despite the opening of a 96-bed block on the hospital site last week.

During the festive period, the population of Rathkeale can increase by several thousand.

20 garda recruits were deployed to Limerick last August and were to be stationed in the city environs. At the time, Independent Ireland TD Richard O’Donoghue, criticised the placement of the recruits in the city and not in the county.

The Garda drug unit in the county has also been depleted, however when questioned about garda resources in the county, An Garda Síochána has told this reporter that “for operational reasons” it “does not comment on current or future deployment of resources”.

Last August, a gang of armed men burst into a local pub carrying knives, slash hooks and possibly a firearm, and caustic chemical, intending to burn a man, however the suspected target fled through fields having left through the rear of the pub.

On August 21st a car was rammed off a road and the driver shot in another violent clash in the surrounding local townland of Kilcoole.

Last November, a house was damaged and a car firebombed in the town when a vehicle was driven into the front of a house.

Last October, a truck smashed into another house and petrol bombs fired at the property causing major damage.

The violence has not arose only during the influx of population at Christmas time.

Last May, four houses was firebombed in the town.

Gardaí have mounted security operations around the town over the Christmas season previously and are expected to do that again in a bid to keep a lid on the violence.