Published: Wednesday, 19th May, 2010 5:00pm

Vandals remove life buoy from Swellan Lake

Vandals have removed the life buoy and rope attaching it to the post from Swellan Lake in Cavan town and a member of Cavan Town Council has called for it to be restored before there was a tragedy.

Cllr. Paddy O'Reilly said the lake was bad enough with the amount of dumping taking place there without individual stooping so low as to remove the life buoy. "It's a tragedy waiting to happen."

He added that the waste management team was to look after the lake but nothing had been done and the dumping was getting worse.

The local residents were doing their best but they were fight an uphill battle.

Cllr. Patricia Walsh pointed out that two young people had lost their lives on the lake and it was a disgrace that the life buoy had been vandalised.

She called on those responsible to "cop" themselves on before another life was lost.

Cllr. Paddy Conaty stated that the lake had been deteriorating for many years and it had once been the jewel in the town. "It is a pity to see it in its current state."

Cllr. Paddy Sexton said that the residents in Glenlara were cleaning the lake up to the best of their ability.

"The position with the life buoy is serous and the Gardaí must be informed."

He added that parties are being held around the lake and those involved are leaving a mess behind them.

The Mayor Andrew Boylan said the removal of the life buoy was a criminal act and was putting people's lives at risk.

"If those responsible are caught they should be dealt with appropriately."

With the Fleadh coming to the town it was important that all amenities like Swellan Lake were "spic and span".