A major public meeting on rural crime takes place tonight (8 October) at the Anner Hotel in Thurles at 8pm.

A large attendance from across the country is expected at the meeting, which will be attended by Assistant Commissioner Jack Nolan, local Chief Superintendant Catherine Kehoe and solicitor Kieran Cleary.

Details of the Irish Farmers Journal/Red C poll will be presented at the meeting, which is chaired by Paul Williams.

Limerick fires

Fires destroyed sheds and their contents in three separate incidents in little over a week, in the small rural parish of Doon in east Limerick.

The first occurred on 27 September. Two cattle died in the fire, which happened between Doon and Oola, near the Tipperary border. A second incident saw a fire at a farm in Toomaline/ Lissowen, Doon, only six miles away.

The following night, a third farm fire saw a shed, this time containing 100 straw bales, lost. This occurred in Ballyvalode, less than a mile from the first blaze.

In early September, there was a fire at a stables on a farm in Brookes Bridge, about 10 miles away, while yet another fire occurred in Lisnagry near Limerick city on 20 September.

Gardai have committed extra resources to the area, with constant patrols throughout the night. Tuesday night passed without incident.

The weeks leading up to Halloween see the highest incidence of fires on farms, with recently filled sheds of straw and straw ricks in fields being most targeted.

It’s too early to say whether this is part of that pattern or something more sinister. Gardai are calling for vigilance from the community.

Local inspector Luke Conlon said that a strong garda presence will be maintained until the situation is resolved.

He appealed to the public to remain vigilant, and said that anyone with any concerns, or who notices anything suspicious, should contact Bruff garda station at 061-382-947 at any hour.