Update: 19 January 2015
While speaking to Wexford Hub, Wexford County Councillor George Lawlor said there is a strong indication that a man who removed two lifebuoys from Wexford Bridge on New Year’s Eve will receive a caution rather than face charges, as authorities believe it to be his first offence. No final decision has been confirmed.
Original Article:
A man is facing the possibility of criminal charges following the vandalisation of two lifebuoys on Wexford Bridge.
The same individual removed two lifebuoys from their housing units on the bridge on New Year’s Eve night and threw them into the River Slaney.
Volunteers from Wexford MarineWatch spotted the incident, notified Gardaí, and identified a suspect.
CCTV captured the incident, and Gardaí expect the man to face charges of criminal damage and tampering with a life-saving device.
Speaking in response to the vandalisation, the group’s Facebook page reminded its followers that a “stolen ringbuoy is a stolen life.” “Please remember that these are NOT TOYS, whether you are drunk or not – They are there to save a life, and they belong to the people of Wexford. It could be you or one of your family that need it some day.”
It immediately replaced the lifebuoys. Since its inception in December 2012, it has successfully reduced deaths in the area by carrying out several intervention and safety patrols a week. It is currently carrying out a recruitment drive for 2015.