'Bizarre' - Kildare Gardaí investigate tree cut down in public park
Kildare Gardaí are investigating an incident in which a large tree was cut down in Athy.
Cllr Mark Leigh said the vandalism in the People's Park took place on Sunday, January 26.
Kildare Co Council reported the incident to Athy Gardaí who are investigating.
CCTV footage from the area is being harvested and examined by gardaí.
Cllr Leigh said that the tree had been knocked by Storm Éowyn on the night of January 23 / January 24 - but the wide trunk was clearly cut with a saw.
"This is public property in a public place and nobody has the "right" to cut down a tree in this manner, not to mention the obvious dangers to themselves."
"I thought it was a windblown tree like the hundreds we were dealing with but it has been confirmed to me by Athy Garda Station that a report has been filed by Kildare County Council.
"Athy Gardai are taking this matter very seriously and are seeking information from the public on this matter."
Anybody with information can contact Athy Gardaí at (059) 863 4210.