The clustered relocation of 'troublesome' Limerick families, proposed by the city council, would create a "ghetto mentality", according to a local politician.

Sinn Fein Spokesman Mick the Quill Ryan said the council's Housing Committee plans to move disorderly families in special clusters of ten to 20 houses.

Mr Ryan, Chair of RSF in the north side of Limerick, said the action against anti-social families could create "no-go areas".

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The plans form part of a submission from the council to the newly established Regeneration Agencies in Limerick

Mr Ryan said: "This approach is akin to a Soviet era gulag where the families are deposited in a cluster of dwellings.

"While the Council plan calls for intensive support services, the reality is that such a place would fast become a no go area.

"The idea of a cluster of criminal families housed in small units and overseen by State agencies may seem good at first glance but past experience has shown that within a very short time these families will rule the area with an iron fist and no amount of social intervention will prevent it."

"This latest approach is a backward step and will only serve to create more problems in the long run," added Mr Ryan.

(PR/JM)