Young man caught on CCTV uprooting tree in Tullamore comes forward and apologises for actions

The young man who uprooted a tree from a container in the centre of Tullamore has admitted his actions and apologised to the local Tidy Towns.

Earlier this week, Tullamore Tidy Towns shared a video on social media showing a tree being uprooted outside Galvin's on William Street in the town. It was later dumped in a blue bin on Harbour Street.

The video clearly showed a young male pulling the tree out of the pot and then taking off running down William Street in the direction of Harbour Street.

Tidy Towns Chairman, Shane Murray said he received a phone call from the culprit following the sharing of the video and he readily admitted and apologised for his actions.

"He was very contrite and promised to pay for the tree," said Mr Murray.

The man has also promised to help out as a volunteer with the Tidy Towns.

The Tidy Towns chief praised him for admitting his actions as it was virtually impossible to identify him from the video shared on social media.

"We were all young once and did stupid things. He did the honourable thing even though he could not be recognised from the video."

Tullamore Tidy Towns holds a work night every Wednesday with volunteers meeting in Kilbride Street at 7.00pm.

They hold a work morning every Sunday, meeting at 8.30am on William Street.

A huge number of volunteers have joined the group in the past year while many other people carry out work in their own local areas independently, said Mr Murray.

He praised the commitment of volunteers who turn up in all sorts of weather conditions.

Volunteers include a number of asylum seekers who have recently made their homes in Offaly.