Spate of 'targeted' vandalism in Ballincollig

There has been a spate of “targeted” vandalism in Ballincollig over the past 12 months, according to Cork City Council.

Several park benches in the Ballincollig Regional Park have been damaged by vandals, who often set them on fire.

“We have had a number of instances in the past year where park benches have been damaged now with the matters reported to the gardaí," Stephen Scully of City Council’s Parks, Recreation and Sports Facilities department told The Echo.

“The vandalism is very targeted, at seat benches in particular, with no other real vandalism.

“It is regrettable and impacts on people's enjoyment of the 150 acre amenity, which has park furniture placed there to add to the park experience,” he added.

A concerned resident contacted The Echo in recent days to highlight acts of vandalism in Ballincollig Regional Park and call for action.

The resident said there have been at least five benches destroyed in the park in the last 12 to 18 months.

They said residents tried to intervene in the most recent incident but were taunted by the vandals involved.

“This is at least the fifth bench burned in the park within 12 to 18 months, along with a minimum of two picnic tables and numerous wheelie bins stolen from Old Quarter,” they said. “Indeed, a quick Google search of 'Ballincollig bench fire' will collate many of the incidents.” 

They said that residents in the area are worried the group responsible will “escalate to cars or sheds until someone is hurt”.

The gardaí were contacted for comment.