Park vandals spark calls for ban on spray cans

There have been calls for a New York-style crackdown on spray can sales in Cork after vandals attacked the concert stage in the city’s flagship park.

Several ‘tags’ have been daubed on the underside of the striking white canopy, which was installed during the revamp of Fitzgerald’s Park, and which was unveiled to the public in May.

City officials are aware of the damage and are waiting for expert advice on how to remove the paint.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Fianna Fáil councillor Ken O’Flynn, said he was disgusted by the incident, given how much money was spent on the park’s facelift, and the high-profile location of the canopy.

“We secured investment of almost €2.3m to upgrade the park for the enjoyment of the people of Cork,” he said.

“It is just mindless vandalism and must be tackled.”

He condemned those responsible for the graffiti attack and called for a crackdown on the sale of spray cans in the city.

Based on similar laws in New York, Mr O’Flynn proposed a by-law for Cork a number of years ago which would have restricted the sale of spray paint cans to people over the age of 18.

He said that officials should consider the by-law again, and follow the example of New York city authorities, where, as part of their war on graffiti in the 1980s, they banned the sale of spray cans or permanent markers to under 18s.

An attempt in 2006 to raise the minimum age to 21 sparked controversy and was rejected.

There is a thriving legitimate graffiti culture in Cork, with several impressive works of sanctioned art on display in prominent locations, including Academy St and Washington St.