Daredevil climbers face prosecution for tower antics

Up to 10 youths who scaled scaffolding surrounding an east Cork monument at the weekend may be prosecuted by a specialist construction company.

The youths accessed the roof of the four-storey, 30m-high clock tower in Youghal on four consecutive nights and posted footage of their activities on Facebook.

Cork’s MMD Construction Ltd is liaising with gardaí to consider how best to enhance security on the site following the illegal activity.

A spokesman for MMD said cantilever beams are likely to be installed to prevent access to scaffold levels, and a night security guard may also be deployed.

The spokesman said the company removed all ladders, double-sided its security fencing, and installed CCTV on Friday following reports of youths climbing the structure the night before. “Nonetheless the infringements continued,” he said. “Site safety is paramount to us and so we have no option but to employ a security guard.”

According to MMD, footage from CCTV, along with Facebook evidence, will be used to prosecute the trespassers. “As soon as those involved are identified, we will definitely initiate proceedings,” said the spokesman.

A Youghal garda representative said those identified are “very likely to be receiving a visit from us”.

One Youghal worker says he has “never encountered such recklessness”. One witness said the youths seemed intent on impressing some girls who were watching.

The restoration involves cleaning the exterior and excavating the interior as part of a project to reopen the 236-year-old monument as a historical, heritage and craft centre. The first phase is set to conclude in June.