Omagh vandalism leaves taxpayer with £30,000 bill

RATEPAYERS have been hit with bills totalling upwards on £30,000 as a result of the ‘shocking’ level of vandalism at a litany of public amenities during recent months.

A range of sites within the Omagh area were targeted, with incidents including the theft of life rings from the OASIS Plaza and Riverside Walk and the scattering of food all over play equipment and the safety surface at the Mullaghmore Play area among the worst.

Other incidents include an ongoing problem with broken glass at the Drumquin Multi-Use Games area and the spreading of chocolate all over play equipment at the Lisanelly play park in Omagh. One of the worst affected amenities was the OASIS Plaza in Omagh town centre which has been damaged on multiple occasions.

Now, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has revealed that the cost of the damage has so far totalled £20-30,000, including labour and material costs.

The extent of the damage has been described as ‘shocking’ by Cllr Errol Thompson, who is chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC)

“It is inexcusable that anyone would deliberately damage those important resources within our community,” he said.

“Over the past few weeks, there have been acts of vandalism carried out at Gortin Glen Forest Park, Oasis Plaza, and at various other locations in Omagh and across the district. This is clearly unacceptable behaviour.

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has invested heavily in the upgrading of facilities at Gortin Glen Forest Park and to see these wanton acts of vandalism perpetrated at this location is shocking.”

Cllr Thompson paid tribute to the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team for repairing the damage.

He added that proposals to curtail opening hours at the Gortin Glen were being considered, but that they would be ‘very reluctant’ to take such a step considering the popularity of the Park.

“Nevertheless, continued attacks may force us to reconsider this,” he added.

“While all acts of vandalism are to be condemned, I find the theft of Life Rings from the river at the OASIS Plaza and Riverview particularly abhorrent, not only is this destruction of public property but it could also potentially lead to loss of life.”

Cllr Thompson urged anyone with information on criminal activity and vandalism at any of the Council sites to contact the PSNI.