'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.

READ MORE: Application for change of use of premises in Newbridge, Kildare 

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. 

Cllr Leigh said: "In a bizarre incident, somebody actually cut down a tree in the People's Park in Athy.

"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.