Vandal cuts internet wires for fourth time

An unusual series of criminal damage incidents in the Clonark area of Athlone continued last Sunday, when wires which supply a phone and internet service to local homes were cut for the fourth time.

The incident involved damage to copper wires which provide phone and basic internet to homes in the area around Johnstown, Clonark and Cornafulla.
Sergeant James Muldowney of Clonark Garda Station said the incident on Sunday was the fourth time this had occurred within the last two and a half months, with each occurrence happening during the daytime on a weekend.
The copper wires that were cut were on telecommunications poles and belonged to the Eir company. These incidents were purely cases of criminal damage as nothing was stolen by the perpetrator.
Sergeant Muldowney estimated that around twenty homes had been affected with the loss of their basic internet and phone service. 
In some homes this was causing considerable inconvenience to people who rely on an internet service for their work.
He said the criminal damage appeared to have been carried out by a person with a certain amount of technical knowledge.
"We are carrying out enquiries in relation to this and would appreciate the public's assistance if they have any information that could help in relation to it," he said.
The first three incidents occurred on Saturdays, between 11.30am and 1.30pm, while the the most recent damage was caused between 4pm and 7pm on Sunday last, March 3.
Anyone in a position to provide assistance is asked to contact either Clonark or Roscommon Garda Stations. The Clonark station can be reached on: 090 64 37102.