Doochary community ‘disrespected’ following ‘devastating damage’

Gardaí are investigating criminal damage at the Corkscrew Hill, Doochary.

There is devastation in the community as the tourist information sign by the new Golden Eagle monument was pulled out of the ground and broken and a number of wooden planter boxes were turned over and the plants were discarded. Recently established disabled facilities were also overturned during the course of the vandalism. 

The incident occurred on Friday, May 23 between 11:40pm and 11:50pm at the picnic area at the Corkscrew lookout point.

 “We appeal to anybody who may have travelled in that area between 11.30pm and Midnight on that date with a dash cam to make contact with Gardaí in Milford on 074-9153060,” a Garda spokesperson said. “If anybody can assist with relevant information we ask them to please get in touch with us.”

The incident has been caught on CCTV. The community group in Doochary are voluntary and incidents like these are reversing the good work and fundraising done.

“Our cameras have recorded footage of the 5/6 individuals who caused devastating damage to our beautiful picnic area at the Corkscrew lookout point,” Doochary Development Group shared. “This happened at 11.48 on Friday night.  The youths were in a pickup truck identical to one being used this past week by road workers in the area. 

“The sign/information board with facts about the golden eagle was pulled out of the ground by 3 of the youths a fourth pushed over one of our beautiful planter boxes and another removed the picnic area sign both were taken away on the truck there was another individual who was maybe the driver, the new Disabled picnic bench was overturned also.

“This footage has been passed to the Garda and they will be investigating the matter. We are eager for the return of the signs as these were very expensive, if anyone comes across either or both we would be grateful for their return.

“We are a voluntary group and fundraising this year to make certain areas of our village more accessible to users of wheelchairs this area is set to be tarred soon and the total disrespect of these individuals is shameful.”