Belturbet beauty

Late night acts of criminal damage by drink-feulled youths at Turbet Island have now led to the consideration of bye-laws banning people from the Island from 11pm to 6am. The serious development was highlighted at the recent meeting of Belturbet Town Council by Fianna Fáil Cllr Elizabeth McDermott. The matter had been brought to attention during a conversation with the local gardaí. It has emerged that individuals have tried to burn tables and seating provided at the beauty spot and the protective fencing along the river has been ripped off the posts. This fence is to stop pedestrians or cyclists from falling into the river and Cllr McDermot says this wanton destruction has created a hazard. She revealed that parties are held on the island. Turbet Island, she said, is a wonderful amenity and great credit must go to the county council and the Tidy Towns Committee who have enhanced the facility for the people of the town and tourists. "Normally Belturbet is very law abiding and we don't generally have this type of destruction. We want to nip it in the bud before it would get out of hand," she said. Cllr McDermott added that when the council returns in September, consideration will have to be given to implementing a bye-law, restricting access to the island between 11pm and 6am. "Drinking in close proximity to a river is not a good idea from a safety point of view. Action must be taken to ensure an accident or tragedy does not happen," said Cllr McDermott. People wishing to avail of the island facilities such as the Scouts during those hours could get special permission off the gardaí, she suggested. Cllr Raymond Johnston said it would not be easy to block off the Island but he noted that this activity was happening. Cllr Paddy Brady added that there was an attempt to burn a tree one night on the island when there was a party in progress. The chairman Seamus Fitzpatrick said it was a blight on society that a place of natural beauty and historic importance is being vandalised and he condemned such wanton vandalism.