TARGETED… Lough Achork
HUNDREDS of pounds worth of damage has been caused to a popular tourist destination in the west of the county.
The attack at Lough Achork, near the Lough Navar viewpoint, has been widely condemned.
Six picnic tables, three footbridges and fencing at Lough Achork, near Lough Navar Forest were sprayed with graffiti – with estimates put at ‘several hundred pounds’ to remove the graffiti and repaint the equipment. The incident was reported on Wednesday last and community figures have come out against the attack.
Michael Skuce, chairman of the Derrygonnelly and District Community Partnership, was disappointed in the incident.
“I’m very frustrated and very annoyed that this has happened. From the forest point of view: They’re ruining the area. We’re trying our best to bring people here and this just has a negative impact,” he said.
Michael said that Fermanagh District Council has been involved in improving the area, and this type of behaviour is not welcomed by anyone.
“They have done a tremendous amount of work to improve the view point The amount of money that has been spent on the footpaths from the bottom to the top and to see people wanting to vandalise are adding nothing to the community or to society in general.”
Independent Erne West Councillor, Bernice Swift, who lives close to the area, expressed disappointment at the incident.
She said: “I am totally disappointed that one of my favourite iconic areas all of which has recently received great improvements and investment has come under mindless destruction at the weekend of which we the ratepayer will ultimately become levied with the repair costs.
“Nobody should be involved in this type of vandalism and those individuals involved need to stop immediately and wise up. This particular area is very well used by the fishing and keep-fit community as well as many world-wide tourists. This destruction has a very negative impact on an area of great scenic beauty.”
Police are continuing to appeal for information, and local neighbourhood officer, Constable Smyton, commented: “It’s thought it will cost several hundred pounds to remove the graffiti and repaint the items.
“We are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone with information. The number to call is 101.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
