Gardai appeal for information on vandalism at cemetery
Residents in the Rahoon area are in the process of setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group following a second incident of vandalism at the local cemetery.
Sometime between Friday evening and Sunday morning (August 30 – Sept 1), slates were removed from a shed at the graveyard and were used to damage a large ornament on one of the graves.
A Garda spokesperson said that it was another incident of mindless vandalism that would cause a lot of upset to families who had loved ones buried there.
“We are making a special appeal for anyone who may have information that would help us to identify the individual or individuals involved in this to make contact with us confidentially at Salthill Garda Station on 091 514720 or Mill Street on 091-538000,” the spokesperson said.
Local councillor John Connolly told the Galway City Tribune that people were very upset at the incidents of vandalism at the cemetery over recent weeks.
“Residents are in the process of setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group and have spoken to the Community Garda in relation to this.
“A lot of what’s going on is more nuisance stuff than anything by way of more serious crime, but local people want to be pro-active in trying to nip this in the bud.
“People are genuinely very upset at hearing of a second incident of vandalism at the cemetery where local families have loved ones buried,” said Cllr Connolly.
On the weekend of August 18, damage was also caused to a number of graveyard ornaments at Rahoon Cemetery, something which Gardaí said caused great upset to families who had loved ones buried there.
According to Cllr Connolly, the City Council have given a commitment to review the fencing in place around parts of the cemetery with a view to reinforcing it.
A spokesperson for Galway City Council said that after the initial vandalism at the cemetery, extra fencing had been installed and more would now be provided.
“There is 24/7 pedestrian access to the cemetery and we would certainly be very reluctant to curtail that. Families of loved one like to visit the cemetery at different times.
“This type of vandalism is utterly disrespectful to the families and friends of people who are buried there – we would urge anyone who has any information on this kind of utterly mindless behaviour to contact the Gardaí,” said the spokesperson.