Vandal attack forces pre-schools to relocate

TWO pre-schools which cater for over 40 toddlers have been forced to relocate this morning after vandals wrecked a busy community centre.

Almost every window in the Upper Glanmire Community Association complex, just outside Cork city, was smashed in the early-morning attack yesterday.

Shattered glass from at least 27 smashed windows and security doors covered the entire floor.

And tiny shards of glass also destroyed equipment and toys used by the children who attend a play school and a Montessori school based at the centre.

There were fears last night that some of the toys may have to be dumped.

Arrangements were made yesterday to relocate both pre-schools to the nearby Scoil Naomh Micheál from this morning.

The repair bill could top €15,000 and it could be at least two weeks before the building is safe to use.

Furious community association chairman Donal Kelleher described it as the worst attack on the building in over a century, but he said the vandals will not win.

“There were more windows broken here today than in the entire time since the building opened as a school in 1904,” he said. “But there is one thing for sure: Whatever these little thugs did, they will not win.”

The attack took place at around 5am yesterday and followed attacks on a number of cars parked in the nearby Ros Árd housing estate. It is understood that two wing mirrors found inside may have been used to smash some windows. Council road bollards were also found inside.

Several local groups have been using the building since it began operating as a community centre about 20 years ago.

The local ICA branch is due to host a large regional event at the centre tomorrow night. They may have to find an alternative venue.

Two recently formed youth clubs which meet at the centre on Friday nights could also be disrupted.

Mr Kelleher said he was furious that, while his committee of 12, supported by dozens of local residents, are working to make the area better, a few “mindless vandals” could destroy everything in minutes.

“You’d think these fellas would get more pleasure out of picking up a ball or a sliotar and putting it through goalposts and saying ‘that was a good score’ than throwing a brick through a window,” he said. “It really makes your stomach sink. We will make every effort to track these guys down. We want to know who they are. This is an attack on everybody.”

Gardaí from Glanmire are investigating the incident and sealed off the building yesterday for a forensic examination. It is hoped that fingerprints will be retrieved from some of the objects.

Labour councillor John Gilroy said the full rigours of the law should be brought to bear on those responsible. “It is terrible to think that the work, time, effort and money of countless volunteers can be undone because of the actions of a few thugs and louts in 10 minutes is terrible.

“But this will not prevent the community from continuing with the wonderful work they do here.”

Vandals damaged drain pipes in the nearby national school two weeks ago.