METAL STOLEN FROM COUNTY HOUSING ESTATES

Date Published: 20-Dec-2011

Manhole covers in unfinished housing estates in County Galway are being stolen so they can be scrapped for cash.

That's what Councillor Tom McHugh told members of the County Joint Policing Committee.

He said that thieves are going around stealing metal from premises so they can take it to be weighed for scrap and paid in cash.

Councillor Jimmy McClearn said that there should be some accountability on the part of those who take in scrap metal.

Chief Superintendent Donal Ó Cualáin said Gardaí have no issue with genuine scrap, but he said it becomes their problem if it's new metal, manhole covers or copper wiring which has been stolen.

Deputy Seán Kyne said he would raise the matter with Justice Minister Alan Shatter and that the Joint Policing Committee should also write a letter of recommendation.