Armed gardai as Travellers flock to town

ARMED gardai are set to patrol a town this Christmas as part of a policing plan to deal with a massive influx of Travellers from all over Europe.

Extra plain clothes officers, a small number of armed officers and members of the traffic corps will patrol Rathkeale, Co Limerick, over the festive period.

Following consultations with members of the Traveller and settled communities as well as businesses, the plan will also include an extra doctor and nurse and special court sittings.

During the period the population doubles as Travellers with links to the town descend on the area.