Kildare County Council forced to replace lifebuoys due to thefts or damage

By Kim O'Leary

Kildare County Council has had to replace 18 lifebuoys in the last 12 months following the theft or loss of the life saving devices stationed at spots across the county, according to a new report.

Kildare County Council had to replace 14 lifebuoy boxes and lengths of rope, and the Council was responding to questions by Independent Councillors Tony McEvoy, Anthony Larkin, Teresa Murray, and Paddy Kennedy.

The majority of buoy related theft or damage has occurred along the Barrow in Athy (between the Courthouse and the Horsebridge), at the Aqueduct in Monasterevan, at the Liffey Bridge in Clane and at the Liffey Bridge in Celbridge.

There are currently 92 lifebuoys in Kildare, and the council also stated that they would consider the Councillors' suggestion that revised notices are developed with contact details that invite members of the public to discourage and report unauthorised interference.