Repeated lifebuoy vandalism at harbour condemned by Wicklow County Council
It follows a public safety appeal in the first week of June, when lifebuoys were taken and vandalised along the northern breakwater. Noting that ropes had been cut and buoys completely removed, a council spokesperson reminded those responsible that the buoys serve as emergency devices which are 'vital for anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water'.
WCC has now had to issue another appeal, on Wednesday, July 9, in which it said 'over the past few days, there has been ongoing interference with the life buoys along the northern breakwater at Greystones Harbour'.
Once again, it was highlighted that in some instances, the ropes had been cut and/or the buoys had been completely removed.
"Lifebuoys are not toys and should not be used for entertainment purposes,' the council said. 'Interference with these devices puts lives at risk."
Further down the coast, CCTV was proposed along Arklow's Riverwalk last month after 'costly and mindless acts of vandalism' involving the removal of lifebuoys, which WCC water safety officer Robert Kelly said would require extensive refurbishment that would cost 'a few thousand Euro'.
Fortunately, in an update provided by Mr Kelly, he said the missing buoys along the entire stretch of the River Walk had been replaced, of which six were thrown into the river this past week.
'A good citizen seems to have recovered five and put them back,' he said.
WCC have urged members of the public to report a missing or damaged life buoy to ringbuoys.ie.
Meanwhile, for those planning on swimming at any of Wicklow's beaches this weekend, the results of the latest bathing water sampling are in and the news couldn't be better. Conducted on Wednesday, July 9, the results are as follows:
WCC monitors water quality at bathing areas along its coast from June 1 to September 15 each year.
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