|
|
"Despicable" thieves put lives at
risk
15.07.11
Lifeguard equipment
stolen at Lisfannon’s Blue Flag beach
by Eamonn MacDermott and
Damian Dowds, Inishowen Independent
THIEVES who broke into and stole equipment from the
lifeguard station on Lisfannon beach last week could
have put lives in danger.
Gardaí in Buncrana have appealed for information
following the theft of equipment, including
binoculars, a radio and a loudhailer, from the
lifeguard station on Lisfannon beach last week.
Local councillor Rena Donaghey described the theft,
which happened in the early hours of last Saturday
morning, as “despicable”.
“Those who stole this crucial equipment were putting
people’s lives in danger,” Cllr Donaghey said.
“Those are the tools of the trade for lifeguards and
it’s an absolute disgrace that someone should steal
them.”
Donegal County Council engineer Pat Gillespie, whose
water and environment section oversees facilities on
Inishowen’s three blue flag beaches, described the
incident as wanton vandalism.
“The loudhailer is of little value to anyone, other
than the lifeguards themselves and it’s seriously
disappointing that someone would do something as
stupid as this.”
Mr Gillespie said that the stolen equipment is being
replaced. |
 |
|
Lisfannon beach where lifeguard
equipment was stolen. |
A Garda spokesperson
said that they were investigating a report of a
break in at the portable cabin used by the lifeguards on
Lisfannon beach.
The spokesperson said: “We received a report of a
break in at around 1.30 p.m. on [Friday] July 8.
“We believe that the incident occurred sometime
between midnight and midday on the 8th.
“The portable cabin itself was damaged and some items
were taken. These items include a pair of
binoculars, a radio and a megaphone.”
Gardaí said they would like anyone with information
about this incident to contact them on Buncrana
0749320540.
Mr Gillespie also confirmed that the toilet block at
the beach was vandalised in the incident.
“The overturning of the Portaloos at the beach was
just wanton vandalism.
“Resources are stretched, and we can make better use
of our staff than having to send them to put this
type of vandalism right.”
Cllr Donaghey emphasised the importance of the Blue
Flag beaches to tourism here. And providing toilet
facilities and lifeguards are among the requirements
for this prestigious quality assurance mark.
“The council have worked tremendously hard to put
necessary facilities in place so that we can get
Blue Flag accreditation, and anything that puts that
in jeopardy has to be condemned.” There are two
lifeguards are on duty at the beach at Lisfannon
from 12.30pm each day. |
|
