Youghal ready to fight back against vandals

WHILE accepting that ongoing and even increasing levels of vandalism are not unique to Youghal, members of the Town Council are deeply concerned about what they believe to be a rapidly worsening situation.

The council’s application for government funding towards the installation of closed circuit television cameras has been unsuccessful in the current year, but town clerk Liam Ryan has assured the members that the application will be vigorously renewed for the coming year.

“We are also trying to get the commercial sector behind us on this,” said Mr Ryan. “The capital allocation is funded 100%, but the subsequent maintenance costs, estimated at €30,000 a year in Youghal’s case, will have to be funded locally.”

The town Mayor, Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley, said the Springfield industrial estate has become a magnet for the vandals.

She said there should be a name-and-shame policy in place with the names of those convicted of acts of vandalism published in the media.

“It’s unpalatable, and sad, to have to say it, but vandalism is rampant, and it is particularly shameful that the Tytex plant, Barry’s Lane, and the public toilets are being particularly singled out,” Mayor Linehan-Foley said.

Cllr Sammy Revins said it is time the anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO) were introduced because this kind of situation is occurring in every town in the country.

His Fianna Fáil colleague, Cllr David Savage, said it seems that there is an element within the local community that is engaging in “blatant and rampant vandalism” to private property.

“Is there anything this council can do to assist the gardaí in trying to apprehend them,” he asked.

Cllr Savage said that recently one break-in had resulted in the culprit being apprehended through the presence of CCTV, and its provision in the town must be a priority.

The town clerk said that community involvement and community spirit are vital in the fight against vandalism.