Anger at Dromone pump theft

The theft of an historic old water pump from Dromone, Oldcastle has angered local residents.

Kells Gardai are investigating the theft of the pump which could be up to 150 years old.

It was stolen from Knocklough Cross outside Dromone overnight.

The pump, which had been working perfectly, was maintained by the Dromone Development Association, who had restored the wall around it and painted it.

"The community put a lot of work into it and there is a lot of anger here at the moment. People are disgusted," said Deputy Johnny Guirke whose home is just 50 metres away.

"It was a focal point in the area. It was the original pump which is 140 to 150 years old and it was working.

"I would appeal to anyone who knows where it is to contact either myself or Kells Gardai or to just leave it back," he said.

The pump was painted green with a yellow lid when it was taken.

The Gardai have appealed to anyone who was in the area during the night and saw any suspicious activity or can help to get the item back, to please call the garda Station on 046-9240999.