Louth County Council has strongly condemned recent incidents in Ardee where lifebuoys were deliberately removed from their stands and thrown into the River Dee.
The council was forced to seek assistance from Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery, who recovered the lifebuoys from the water.
A lifebuoy is a critical piece of life saving equipment and can make the difference in an emergency situation. Removing or interfering with one not only damages public property but also puts lives at serious risk.
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Seán Kelly, described the actions as reckless and unacceptable, warning that taking lifebuoys out of place could have fatal consequences and places unnecessary pressure on volunteer rescue services.
The council has reiterated its commitment to water safety across the county and is urging anyone who witnesses damage or interference with lifebuoys to report it to the relevant authorities immediately.
