Thefts threaten real Tralee roses

AS one blooming bunch of roses is about to arrive in Tralee for the annual rose festival, another is disappearing from the town’s park.

The rose garden takes pride of place in the park, but mature flowers are being stolen from the beds and offered for sale to the public.

There are about 9,500 roses of many colours in the garden, carefully nurtured by gardener Brendan Enright over the past 25 years.

And, while the number of roses which have vanished in the last month has not damaged the overall display, he said it was still a matter of serious concern.

“A significant number of budding roses are going,” he said.

The fact that a CCTV camera, which overlooks the park, has been out of action makes it easier for the thieves.

There are reports of some people being caught taking the flowers and the gardaí have been notified.

Mayor of Tralee Terry O’Brien called on the public to assist gardaí with their investigations into the matter. Describing the park as the jewel in the town’s crown, he said the council had spent thousands of euro on the facility over many years.

“This pilfering must be stopped before the rose display is destroyed.

“It’s an insult to the people of Tralee to steal any of these flowers, or shrubs,” Mr O’Brien said.

Meanwhile, gardaí said they hope to have the CCTV camera in the town park repaired before the 45th Rose of Tralee Festival gets underway next week.

Anyone with information should contact Tralee gardaí at 066-7122022.