FAIRGREEN DAMAGE
THE Fairgreen recreational park that nearby residents spent years campaigning for, will not re-open until next summer after vandals destroyed the astro pitch.
As the photos above show, the playing surface of the pitch was ripped out and other damage includes initials etched onto the surface and scorch marks, thought to be from disposable barbecues.
Sinn Féin Councillor Chris MacManus asked when it would be re-opened at this month’s meeting of Sligo Municipal District at City Hall on Monday.
He described the vandalism as “wanton” anti-social behaviour.”
“You can’t expect the local authority to finance this long-term. We need to send out a message: These people do not represent this community. They need to let the community enjoy this facility. It speaks volumes about their mindset,” he told the meeting.
Council official Briain Flynn told members that quotations were currently being sought for repairs but wouldn’t be carried out until the second quarter of next year most likely due to weather and cost.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom MacSharry also condemned the vandalism and said CCTV is “where the answer lies.”
“Cllr MacManus and his father before him pushed for this. It’s very regrettable,” he said and argued in favour of CCTV.
Independent Cllr Declan Bree said the local authority could not police the Fairgreen constantly and agreed CCTV was worth looking at.
“It would be a warning to the tiny minority that their acts of vandalism will not be tolerated,” he said.
Sinn Féin Cllr Thomas Healy said: “These people are no addition to any community. They’re not of this community,” he said.