Gardai 'have identified those involved' in Athlone flower pots vandalism
By Kevin O'Neill
An Athlone Garda said individuals involved in vandalising floral displays at two locations in the town during the weekend have turned themselves in at the local station.
Damage was caused to the floral displays on Athlone's town bridge and by the Athlone Canal Bridge at Talbot Avenue on Saturday night into Sunday morning.
The incidents were condemned by local Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and councillor Frankie Keena, among others.
Sergeant Dermot Monaghan told the Westmeath Independent today (Monday) that individuals involved in the incident had been identified by Gardaí and had come forward to the local station. No charges have been issued at time of writing, Sergeant Monaghan said.
In a video on Facebook, local Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said the vandalism was very frustrating for "the people trying to make our town look pleasant".
“It's annoying, and the people who have done this should have guilt in themselves this morning. Why would you take your anger out on plants? I don't understand it. Those responsible should hang their heads in shame," 'Boxer' said.
Cllr Keena, meanwhile, said: "I am absolutely annoyed and angered by this level of vandalism. These beautiful flower baskets were erected and maintained by volunteers from Athlone Tidy Towns and the Athlone Canal Heritage Committee.
"They were admired by locals and visitors alike, and it is heartbreaking for the volunteers who give their time freely to see their hard work treated with such disrespect.
"There is simply no excuse for this kind of anti-social behaviour. Being drunk is not an excuse either. Those responsible need to be held accountable.”
On Sunday, the damaged floral displays were taken away by Emmet Dooley, of Dooley's Flowers, who re-populated them before restoring them to Talbot Avenue.
The Athlone Canal Heritage Committee thanked Mr Dooley for his efforts, and Cllr Keena said: "That is the community spirit Athlone should be proud of. Let’s look after our town and respect the volunteers who work so hard to make Athlone a beautiful place in conjunction with the council staff."