GARDAÍ IN Limerick have again raided a shebeen operating in a council estate in the city, resulting in the seizure of scores of cans of beer and bottles of spirits.
A gaming machine, cigarettes and a large number of glasses were also seized when gardaí raided the shebeen in a shed at the back of a house in Lilac Court, Southill.
Known locally as Ma Kelly's, the premises were opened five months ago by Southill brothers Francie and Anthony Kelly at the back of their mother's home.
The brothers insist they are not selling drink but simply providing drinks for friends on a non-profit basis. It has been raided a number of times and large amounts of alcohol have been seized; however, it has continued to be restocked.
The latest raid took place in a planned operation by gardaí on Wednesday night while six people were drinking at the premises. Gardaí seized more than 200 cans and bottles of beer along with bottles of spirits including vodka.
Cigarettes and a gaming machine were also seized along with a "substantial" number of glasses.
No arrests were made and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) following this latest raid.
Another file on the shebeen was sent to the DPP in April and gardaí are still waiting on directions. It is understood they have been liaising with the Revenue Commissioners and fire and planning authorities in relation to the premises.
Supt Frank O'Brien said: "We are mindful of these grave community concerns and will continue to enforce the law."
In July, Limerick City Council served a letter on Francie Kelly warning him about the unauthorised development. He did not respond within six weeks and an enforcement notice is now expected, which will threaten legal proceedings unless the unauthorised use of the residential property is discontinued. The Kellys previously indicated that they will challenge in the courts any move to have them closed down.