Clare Gardai are preparing files for the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the arrests of 10 people suspected of involvement in illegal money lending in Kilrush after they were released without charge.
Just one of 11 people detained by Gardai as part of "Operation Payday" is still being held for questioning – the woman is expected to be released later this evening.
The major investigation will continue as gardai process information gathered during their questioning and examine documents seized during searches of several premises in Kilrush.
Meanwhile, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service has joined local representatives in praising Clare Gardai for acting against suspected illegal money lenders in Kilrush.
MABS says it believes local officers are the first in Ireland to take such action, but say they hope more Garda Divisions will follow suit.
Speaking on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, MABS Spokesman Michael Culloty said one reason for the recent rise in money lending has been the inability of people to get credit through more conventional means.
He added the fear that hard-pressed families will be increasingly tempted to take out these high interest loans in the coming weeks.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service can be contacted on www.mabs.ie or through local branches of the Clare Citizens Information Service.
