Locals in Ballyshannon have been left outraged after a vital piece of life-saving equipment was vandalised.
The AED defibrillator at the Mall Park has been left unfit for purpose and locals suspect it was damaged deliberately.
Local county councillor Barry Sweeney has slammed those behind the attack.
He said “It is so disappointing to see this mindless vandalism of life-saving equipment. The outer casing of the AED defibrillator at the Mall Park has been cracked (possibly kicked) for some time now, and after inspection by the community First Responders, the unit itself is deemed unfit for use.
“So what may have been a “spur of the moment” act of vandalism has now rendered the defibrillator useless and we will now need to raise funds to replace it. A good replacement unit currently costs in the region of €1,300/€1,400.”
Councillor Sweeney added that he has spoken to the Donegal Bay First Responders.
He also revealed that he has pledged this €1,300/€1,400 from his Members Development Fund to replace the life-saving equipment.
The damaged defib
The local First Responders responded to 53 call-outs between January 2019 and March 2020 when Covid struck.
The volunteers are now returning to Cardiac Arrest calls only as restrictions ease.
Councillor Sweeney added “I feel there is no time waste and am happy to act quickly to make this money available. It may be needed next week but we all hope it will never be used.
“The nearest public access AED Defibrillator is now at Centra and the list of other locations in town is attached.
“Massive thanks to the trained and committed volunteers in Donegal Bay First Responders who continue to provide a vital service in backing up our National Ambulance Service.”
