‘Disheartening’ vandalism at Millstream

MEMBERS of an award-winning residents’ association in Killaloe were left devastated after the destruction of five concrete flower planters in their estate, which will cost an estimated €350.

The incident at Millstream and other bouts of anti-social behaviour in the area in recent weeks has prompted calls for extra garda patrols for the lakeside town.

Councillor Joe Cooney expressed grave concern about the thefts and damage to local property that has been reported in recent weeks. Raising the proposed closure of Killaloe Garda Station at night, Councillor Cooney said extra patrols are needed around the town during the early hours.

Claiming people from outside the county are coming to Killaloe to cause damage, he acknowledged garda patrols should be able to concentrate on preventing and dealing with more serious crime and not with anti-social behaviour, which could be avoided if property is respected.

He said it is ridiculous a local voluntary group had to see all their good work and money purchasing flower planters undone by vandals.

“It seems that people from outside the county are arriving in Killaloe and are joining with others to cause damage. This type of anti-social behaviour is totally unacceptable and has to be nipped in the bud.

“I hope the gardaí will be able to apprehend the culprits and make them pay for the damage they have done to the residents’ association property,” he said.

The hard work of Millstream Residents Association was rewarded in 2011 when they scooped the overall prize in Clare County Council’s Best Kept Estate competition. Association chairperson Eileen Howard said the group cannot afford to replace these flower planters this year after five of them were smashed late on Saturday night. The association already has to come up with money to replace a broken lawnmower, which is needed to keep the grass cut in the estate.

Ms Howard recalled a few weeks ago two flower planters were stolen by someone who would have had to use a truck or van and had assistance from others, as it took four men to place the planters in their original position.

Apart from a few broken flowers, she said the association has never been hit by vandalism before.

“There is a great spirit in the estate. We get financial contributions to maintain the estate from elderly people and people who are out of work who still contribute in order to improve the overall appearance of the place,” she said.

“It is a crying shame what has happened. It is very disheartening when you wake up on a Sunday morning and see flower planters destroyed.”

The group has contacted local gardaí who are reviewing CCTV cameras to see if they can identify any of the culprits.She urged anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the estate to contact Killaloe gardaí.

Describing the vandalism as “disgusting”, Councillor Cathal Crowe said he will help the residents’ association apply to Clare County Council for a grant, which may help them replace the planters.