Tough action needed to tackle vandalism
The attack was a setback to the town's efforts to better itself, though the vandals are fooling themselves if they believe they can retard the development with their behaviour.
The playground that took months of painstaking work to build, following years of lobbying by locals for such a facility, was ripped to pieces in a single act of madness.
The spirit of a community cannot entirely be broken by the actions of a few thugs. Yet the vandals have dampened the morale of many a decent citizen.
What goes on in the minds of people who destroy a playground? Often, children or teenagers who cause trouble wish to show off to their friends, to demonstrate how tough and macho they are. But can the playground attackers say: "Look how strong and powerful we are. We stopped those kids from having a good time."
It would be difficult to think of a less macho or less courageous act than the deliberate destruction of a playground.
As for the excuse that vandalism "can be seen as a protest by the young people involved", I ask: what is an attack on a playground a "protest" against? What grievance is addressed by depriving children of a place to have fun?
I suggest imposing crushing penalties for vandalism, on the vandals and their parents. Fines for the parents and long terms of prison or community service for the vandals. Service in the community, preferably involving repairs to whatever property has been damaged, would be especially apt.
Then maybe if and when they marry and have children of their own, they might work hard to keep their children out of trouble.
John Fitzgerald
Lower Coyne Street
Callan
Co Kilkenny
