Politicians unite to condemn incident

REPRESENTATIVES in Louth and Meath have united to condemn the fire at the Boyne Trail Boardwalk, calling it ‘an absolute disgrace’.

Cllr Wayne Harding Caitheorleach of the Laytown/ Bettystown municipal district said the fact it is the subject of a Garda criminal investigation means it is a very serious attack on tourism and the economy of the area.

“The board walk has been an outstanding success since its opening and Meath County Council contributed €750,000 to its creation,” said Cllr Harding. “I hope there can be evidence collected from the scene that will lead to convictions as this is one of the most important tourism and economic infrastructure projects in Meath but in fact in the country”.

Mayor of Drogheda Frank Godfrey has described the incident as a ‘wanton act of vandalism’.

‘I find it hard to believe that anybody would set fire to this fantastic facility we have here at the boardwalk which links Drogheda to Oldbridge and is used daily by walkers,” he told the Drogheda Independent.

“With the Fleadh coming up in August, the Boyne boardwalk would have been a great showpiece for the river, the canal and the town. I would like to see this repaired before the Fleadh in August and I am calling on Meath County Council to pull out all the stops to make this happen.’

Louth TD Imelda Munster also added that she would like to see it operational again before the Fleadh.

“If this was arson, it is important that whoever is responsible be brought to justice promptly to demonstrate this type of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated,” said Deputy Munster. “I have written to Meath County Council requesting for repairs to be carried out as a matter of urgency, even if only temporary works for now so that it can reopen.

Senator Ged Nash said “the book should be thrown at the thugs who were responsible for the arson attack which has destroyed a key section of the Oldbridge boardwalk.”

“Those who are responsible for this senseless act must be brought to justice and the full rigours of the law must be applied to them.”