Calls for rapid replacement of vandalised defibrillator in Omagh

THE community who rely on a defibrillator stationed at CKS community centre in Omagh are still bereft of the life-saving equipment after it was damaged in an act of vandalism in the mouth of Christmas.

The strategically-located community defibrillator usually hangs on an exterior wall of the community centre, where it is of easy access for residents of both the Dromore Road and Tamlaght Road.

However, on December 23, the defibrillator was left smashed and unusable after what CCTV footage has shown to have been an act of wanton vandalism carried out by a group of youths.

One Omagh Sinn Féin councillor who played an important role in the initial installation of the defibrillator, Barry McElduff, is calling for its rapid reinstatement.

“I am calling for the reinstatement of the defibrillator at the CKS Centre as a matter of urgency,” began Mr McElduff.

“I have raised this with senior Council officers, and will be pursuing this formally again at the January meeting of the Council on Tuesday evening, January 12.”

The Omagh councillor expressed disappointed bewilderment as to why anyone would deliberately damage such a vital public amenity, and called for ‘a zero-tolerance approach’ to this type of behaviour.

“I am calling for a zero-tolerance approach to be taken in respect of vandalism or interference with defibrillators and other such life saving equipment,” said Mr McElduff.

“I have spoken to local people who share my anger and concern.”

Mr McElduff told us that the relevant council director has assured him that a replacement will be fitted as soon as possible, adding, “There is CCTV footage of the incident, and this has been provided (by the council) to the PSNI who are currently investigating.”