by Andrew Carey

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LIMERICK is one of the safest places in Ireland for tourists, according to the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) which recorded only three incidents of crimes against visitors to the city last year.

This is in contrast to the 336 criminal incidents involving visitors to Dublin during the same period.

Limerick Mayor Michael Sheehan said that this was “a further endorsement of the feel good factor in Limerick.These figures are genuine because any tourist who is a victim of crime will report it as they’re bound to feel isolated.

Referring to the “collective cooperation that exists in the city”, the mayor said that this positive thinking was reflected in the freedom tourists enjoyed as they walk the streets.

“They feel safe, comfortable and are confident to recommend Limerick as a destination. These figures are not just going to spread nationwide but this is a positivity that will go global.

“Things like this is likely to encourage more visitors to come in the remaining few months of the City of Culture celebrations so I welcome that”, he added.

Since its formation 20 years, almost 13,000 people have been assisted by the ITAS which is the only dedicated service of its kind in Europe.

Limerick Garda Chief superintendent Dave Sheahan said the ITAS figures were a further indicator of where the city has come from and the direction it is headed.

“These figures support the statistics given to the Minister for Justice on her recent visit to the city. We always avoid complacency, but this report goes a long way to show how much the landscape of crime in the city has changed and in terms of policing our streets.

Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe said that: “Irish people are world renowned for our hospitality and welcome. While many things have changed throughout those 20 years, our welcome for overseas visitors is now as friendly as ever.

“Visitors are assured of a truly memorable holiday and research has shown the vast majority of our overseas visitors are more than happy to recommend Ireland as a holiday destination.

“However, for a very small percentage of tourists who become victims of crime while visiting Ireland, it is reassuring to know that the Irish Tourist Assistance Service is available year-round to offer immediate support and assistance free of charge.

Outside of Dublin, the main tourist centres in Wicklow, Clare, Kerrry and Galway all recorded higher incidents of crimes against visitors, according to the ITAS 2013 annual report.

Meantime, the services provided to tourists who become victims of crime was one of the items discussed on the agenda of the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality this week.

Committee Chairman David Stanton TD said: “While Ireland is generally regarded as a safe destination for tourists and crimes against tourists remain low by international standards, unfortunately a number of tourists become victims of crime every year.

Nationally, Mr Staunton said that “last year saw an increase in the number of tourists seeking assistance from the service, the majority of whom had been victims of theft.

“For a tourist, the trauma of being a victim of crime can be compounded by language, culture and legal differences. The Irish Tourist Assistance Service acts as a base where problems facing a tourist can be addressed promptly with the view to getting holiday plans back on track”, he said.