Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough has condemned the vandalism of a lifebuoy ring at Dawson’s Demesne in Ardee after the life-saving equipment was thrown into the River Dee, describing those responsible as “morons”.
Speaking on Thursday evening, Cllr McGeough said “we are at the height of summer and facing our fourth heatwave and are actively warning people to be careful around rivers and water and then these morons throw life-saving equipment into the River Dee at Dawson’s Desmene in Ardee.
“There is no excuse or justification for this kind of action. Everybody is aware that a lifebuoy ring along a river is an essential piece of equipment that should be left alone in case of an emergency. These morons thought it was funny to vandalise it and throw it into the River. I’m just thankful it wasn’t needed over those particular days before it was discovered.”
Cllr McGeough thanked the constituent who brought it to his attention and said, “we all need to be aware of the dangers of water, especially in this weather when it is so inviting, and I would encourage everyone to be aware and alert, and if you see anything like this, don’t ignore it. Report it immediately either to me or to the Council so it can be replaced immediately. Equally, if you see anyone vandalising this equipment, please call the guards. You could literally save a life!”
