Appeal for witnesses to Mahon act of vandalism

A call has been made to people living in the Mahon area who may have witnessed a recent act of vandalism to report it to gardaí.

Labour Party councillor for the Cork city South East ward, Peter Horgan, is calling on members of the public, specifically in the Mahon and Loughmahon area, who may have witnessed an incident that resulted in the breaking of recently planted trees along the Mahon quiet-way, to contact their local Garda station.

The damaged trees were planted in the area as part of the recently completed Mahon Renewal Scheme, which extends along Ringmahon Rd, Skehard Rd, Avenue de Rennes, Ballinure Avenue, The Maples, and Castle Rd.

The 5.6km-long scheme, made possible through an investment of €12m by the National Transport Authority (NTA), included the implementation of the quiet-way from Castle Park to Ashwood via Loughmahon Park.

The quiet-way was introduced to link the Blackrock-Passage Greenway via Sean Cronin Park and the Lower Harbour Greenway.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Horgan said that the incident represents “an insult” to the community of Mahon, particularly those who volunteer in the area, and council staff who undertook the landscaping work.

“This was a disgusting attack on the community that cannot be allowed go unchecked,” said Mr Horgan.

“The council invests the people’s money in to upgrading and maintaining public amenity areas.

“This sort of craven attack is an insult to the entire community.

“I am especially sorry for the extremely active members of Mahon Tidy Towns who make great efforts every week to show Mahon off in the best possible light,” he added.

“If anyone has information on those who did this, I would encourage them to contact gardaí.” Cork City Council has been contacted for a comment on the matter.