Battery thefts from speed signs costing Cork County Council thousands in repairs

Council officials say repeated thefts and vandalism are leaving key road safety signs out of operation across Cork

There are hundreds of the signs spread across Cork county’s eight municipal districts. Picture Dan Linehan

Battery thieves are causing significant damage to speed indicator signs in Co Cork, costing Cork County Council substantial sums in repairs.

A spate of thefts has been reported across the county for some time, particularly because the batteries used to operate the signs are valuable and can be resold for a variety of uses.

According to council officials, the average battery costs around €750, while the damage caused during removal can bring the total repair bill to as much as €1,500.

There are hundreds of the signs spread across the county’s eight municipal districts. Many of the signs targeted by battery thieves are in rural areas, and it is believed the thefts often occur at night when there is less chance of those involved being spotted or arrested.

Battery thefts impacting road safety 

The issue was raised again in the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District following queries from Fine Gael councillor Aileen Browne, who asked officials why a number of the signs were not working.

Council engineers said there are 52 speed feedback signs in the district, nine of which are currently not operational. Five of those are out of service because their batteries were stolen.

Ms Browne listed several non-functioning speed detector signs in the area, which she and Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle described as “a matter of real concern” because of the role they play in road safety.

“These signs are a proven deterrent to speeding and play a vital role in raising driver awareness, particularly in rural villages and along regional routes. When they are not working, communities are left without that visible reminder to slow down,” Ms Browne said.

She also expressed concern about the continued theft of batteries, noting reports that the units may be sold for use in quad bikes, electric fencing, and other agricultural or domestic purposes.

“It’s extremely disappointing to see essential road safety equipment being targeted in this way. These batteries are not cheap, and their theft not only creates additional costs for the county council but directly undermines the safety of local communities. To think that they may be taken for use in quad bikes or electric fences, while villages are left without functioning safety signage, is very frustrating,” Ms Browne said.

Council engineers said they are working to repair the signs as quickly as possible.

Billy O’Sullivan, senior executive engineer for the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District, said replacement batteries are being sourced and repairs are ongoing, but noted that theft and vandalism continue to pose significant challenges in maintaining the signs.

“Road safety must remain a priority, and maintaining existing infrastructure is a key part of that," Ms Browne said.