PLAYGROUND THEFT
The theft of a safety fence from Collooney playground last weekend has been condemned by local Councillor Thomas Healy who has described it as “unbelievable wanton vandalism of a community service”.
He said: “This playground on the Barrack Road in Collooney was opened in 2010 under the auspices of the Collooney Development Committee following years of planning and fundraising,
“It is a vital and well used community service integrated with the handball alley and the park.
“I have campaigned for a new footpath and a pedestrian crossing at the site due to the volume of people using the facilities.
“The safety fencing consists of metal poles and mesh, it ensures that young children can play in the area within a safe confined area which is easily supervised by parents and guardians.
“This is an unbelievable act of wanton vandalism with no regard whatsoever for the com- munity.”
“Unlike other areas this playground does not fall under the Clár funding scheme.
“In effect this means that the local community will have to find the funds to replace the fencing and to address security measures.
“I am urging the general public to be vigilant around these issues and to not hesitate in reporting any suspicious activity,
“I am in the process of establishing a text alert group in Collooney and incidents like this highlight the need for these initiatives.”