A STUDY of young Limerick men living in deprived parts of the city has found they want to remain in these areas despite enduring violence and intimidation from criminal gangs.
The study of 18 men from marginalised areas was conducted by Pat O’Connor, professor of sociology at the University of Limerick, and consultants Patricia and Carmel Kelleher. It also found these men wanted to see more gardaí in their communities.
The men, aged between 18 and 30, were interviewed about their experiences of school, employment, gangs and drug-related crime, recreational facilities and family life, and care of children.
The study found a multitude of factors – including neighbourhood violence, traumatic loss of friends and relatives, social and emotional difficulties, all combined with educational deficits – were affecting the lives of the young men.
Those interviewed were found to be lacking in self-esteem and suffering severe disaffection, and despite many having been the victims of crime and intimidation, which included the murder of family members, all but two said they wanted to stay where they were.
Almost all interviewed said they left school at an early age. Several said they had liked primary school but “hated” secondary school. Many said they had gone through the entire school system with undiagnosed learning difficulties, particularly in reading and writing. Those who had transferred to special schools or community training had fared better in terms of educational achievement.
However, even those who had transferred to these schools said they were not able to get trade apprenticeships or what they described as a “decent job”. Almost all said they had encountered discrimination because of where they lived. Five said, without being asked, that immigrants had affected the chances of getting work.
Most saw work experience as more important than education. Those with children wanted work both to provide for their families and for their children’s self-esteem. “When my kids are asked ‘what does your father do?’ I would like them to be able to say that I do something,” one interviewee said.
The fathers of four of the men had died in traumatic circumstances. Two had been murdered, one had died by suicide and the other died in a “tragic accident”.
Gang feuds pervaded every aspect of life. Interviewees reported being “hassled” in dole queues and said primary school children fought over gangland killings. Several said they could not walk to the shops for fear of being attacked and would not say hello to someone in the street in case they were involved in a gang.
The report, which will be submitted to the Limerick Regeneration Agencies, recommended the establishment of community policing, bereavement counselling, and additional resources for early intervention at school level.
