Measures needed to prevent future vandalism at Cork playground, says councillor 

AN investigation is underway after a playground in north Cork was vandalised.

The incident happened at the Woodview Drive Playground in Mallow where a number of wooden safety structures were sawed and climbing ropes were cut.

Cork County Council said it is “extremely disappointed” to have had to temporarily close the playground following the extensive damage to equipment.

“Vandalism included individual(s) sawing through a number of wooden safety structures in the playground, the cutting of climbing ropes, and human waste on playground equipment,” the council said in a post on social media.

“Given the extent of the damage and the resulting safety hazards, Cork County Council has no choice but to remove all of the affected equipment from this children’s amenity area.”

It said: “Cork County Council spent approximately €20,000 repairing vandalised equipment in this same playground in 2023 and the costs to replace the equipment this time will be significantly higher due to its structural integrity being compromised.”

Eoghan Kenny, a Labour Party councillor for the Mallow/Kanturk Municipal District, told The Echo that a number of residents have contacted him in relation to the damages.

“It’s very disappointing for the children of the area especially, and for all of the residents and families. The best solution we can have is to repair the damage, and in the long term, come up with measures that can be put in place to prevent this from happening again.”

Gearóid Murphy, a Fianna Fáil councillor for the municipal district, said : “Ultimately, when it comes to playgrounds, it’s down to the goodwill of the public that they’re not vandalised, but CCTV would really come in handy.

“It’s very disappointing to see, especially when it was repeated and costs so much to repair. The council can’t continually put money into a playground if it’s going to be continually vandalised.”

It is understood that gardaí are liaising with residents of the area, particularly with those who reside in the homes that overlook the enclosed park, on the matter.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage at Woodview Drive in Mallow, Co. Cork, that was reported on Friday, March 1, 2024.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

Those with any information regarding the vandalism of the playground have been asked to contact An Garda Síochána.