Importance of respecting life buoys highlighted
Life buoy near Somers Park, Castlerea.
The importance of respecting life buoys was highlighted by a local councillor over the weekend.
Castlerea based county councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice said it was “very disappointing” to find a life buoy thrown into the river near Somers Park in the town.
“It is so valuable there with so many young people using the park and playground beside the river,” he said. “I can only assume it was someone who didn't understand the importance of such a lifesaving item which might be needed someday to rescue a non-swimmer.”
The Fianna Fáil councillor said he retrieved it and returned it to its stand.
Nationally, Dublin City Council recently reminded the public that it is a criminal offence to tamper with or steal life buoys, and Gardaí will prosecute anyone caught doing so.
The warning came after more than 30 life buoys in the city were recently stolen or went missing in one month alone.
