Batteries from speed indicator signs stolen across Cork

Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle asked council engineers to fix one on the N20 main Cork-Limerick road on the approach to the village of Ballyhea.

After a lull of a couple of years, thieves are back stealing batteries from speed indicator signs.

News of this came at a meeting of the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District Council after Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle asked council engineers to fix one on the N20 main Cork-Limerick road on the approach to the village of Ballyhea.

He was informed by executive engineer Billy O’Sullivan that the council has been experiencing ongoing vandalism with the speed feedback sign at this location.

He said the battery units have also been stolen “and it is no longer viable to keep replacing batteries".

Mr O’Sullivan added that the council is liaising with the supplier in relation to an alternative solution to address this issue.

Mr Doyle said it is important that a solution is found as they are vital for reducing speed in the village.

It is believed some are being sold off to be used as powerpacks for agricultural fencers as well as for quad bikes.

During covid a lot of these batteries were stolen in rural areas all over Cork.

In August 2020, rural communities were asked to keep a sharp eye out for a gang of thieves who were striking at night and stealing batteries from cameras.

Much of the activity appeared to be around the north Cork area then as well.

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The first thefts were reported in the Glantane area. It then emerged there had been similar thefts in Bweeng and Dromahane, also in North Cork and then in Rathduff.

Batteries were also stolen at the village of Copeen and at Ballyshoneen, near Beerings, and the village of Cloghroe, near Blarney and at Firmount, near Donoughmore.