Council counts cost of repeated vandalism at Ballina amenity

DAMAGE totalling €7,500 was caused to a public convenience just a stone’s throw from Killaloe Bridge, according to a recent estimate completed by a district engineer.

Killaloe Gardaí have investigated criminal damage to the public toilets at the Pontoon in Ballina.

Over the past year, Killaloe Gardaí have confirmed there have been repeated acts of vandalism on these toilets, which are located along a very popular walking route a short distance from the Ballina Outdoor Heating Swimming Pool.

Between 10pm and 12 midnight on Monday night, October 31, windows were broken in the toilets and paving slabs were pulled off the ground outside the toilets.

This last act of vandalism was condemned as “appalling” by Waterways Ireland Operations Controller, Éanna Rowe.

In response to Clare Champion queries, Marcus O’Connor, Director of Roads, Transportation in Nenagh Municipal District, said the council was extremely disappointed with the ongoing acts of vandalism of these public toilets.

He confirmed all the windows to the front of the building have been broken, while paving slabs were thrown into the river.

“The District Engineer estimates the cost of the repairs at €7500. This is the latest in a series of attacks on the toilets in Ballina. Ultimately, the people who will be most affected by this damage are the ordinary members of the public and tourists to the town.

“Tipperary County Council cannot continue to spend public monies on continuously repairing these facilities.

“The council would appeal to the public to assist the Gardai with their investigations,” he said.

Inspector Michaela Moloney from Killaloe Gardai said if the close circuit television cameras on this building were connected, it would provide great assistance for their investigations and would also act as a deterrent for any future vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Condemning repeated acts of vandalism for creating an “eyesore” on this well-known and widely used walking route, she said their crime prevention officer was willing to work with the council to put measures in place to deter this criminal activity.