‘They are sucking the joy out of the one good amenity we have’

The Royal Canal Greenway at Longwood was once again targeted by vandals last week who cut the bolts from a bench and dumped it into the canal along with a heavy boulder rock that had been colourfully painted at Ribbontail Bridge, in the latest incident that has shocked and sickened the local community.

A fairy garden created by local volunteers for the children was also destroyed and damage was caused to equipment used by Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club. The vandalism took place last Thursday night into Friday morning, 1st April. Damage was also caused to an overflow construction installed by Waterways Ireland on the canal, which locals say could have implications for the navigability of the canal for barges and boats.

It is not the first time the greenway amenity has been subjected to vandalism in recent months and Gardai have confirmed that they are investigating the incidents and have appealed for anybody with information to contact Trim Garda Station.

Finola Vaugh of Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club told how the whole community is really upset over what has been happening.

"They are sucking the joy out of the one good amenity we have. During the whole of lockdown and Covid, everybody was delighted and everyone was so happy it had actually happened. It opened just before Covid and it was our saving grace," she said.

"Our slalom course was vandalised too. This is totally orchestrated. They had to have the equipment like an angle grinder to cut through the metal. This is not just kids with a penknife," added Finola.

Local volunteer Irene Curley told how the little fairy village at Ribbontail Bridge that was popular with local children was also damaged last week.

"Large concrete toadstools, a caterpillar and flowerbeds were smashed and destroyed at Ribbontail Fairy Garden. This little area was created by a few volunteers and young children at the end of lane from the village to the canal."

She outlined that other incidents in recent months included the cutting down of a landmark tree that many children played at, the cutting of the 'Famine Shoes monument from its base which was dumped into the canal, while a gate was also driven through.

She said the recent damage took place at night and has appealed to anyone who noticed suspicious activity or vehicles to contact Gardai.

"The local greenway pathways and Ribbontail Lane are used by hundreds of people each week. The enjoyment and pleasure that it brings has been very welcome, particularly during Covid restrictions. It is a space shared by everyone- walkers, cyclists, farmers, and residents and we are at a loss as to what reason these deliberate and premeditated acts are being carried out? It has disheartened locals, and especially at a time when we are trying to enhance the area and continue to develop the amenity. Children in particular were upset at seeing these areas smashed up," said Irene.

While the incidents have been very upsetting, the goodwill shown by the local community and the offers of help has been heartening to see.

"When the news of this recent attack was released on social media, the relief response was amazing. From offers of plants and replacement ornaments, retrieval of items from the canal, to even a digger coming to rescue and removing the large boulders from canal shows the pride and honour of one small village and the lengths the locals will go to keep the spirit and momentum alive. Indeed when the famine monument was found dumped, a number of locals worked at getting it restored to its rightful place. We would really like to continue to nurture this community ethos and not have it eroded by the actions of few," said Irene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trim Garda Station on (046) 9481541.