A west Donegal community group has hit out at the ‘repeated attempts’ at destroying their good work.
The Doochary Development organisation released a statement this evening after one of their heritage signs was stolen yesterday.
The theft is the latest in a long list of criminal acts involving works carried out by the voluntary not-for-profit group.
Over the past two years they have had hanging baskets stolen and a post sawn down and removed, a mural defaced (main pic) and an apple tree ripped out of the ground and stolen.
“For over two years now, we on Doochary Development committee have tried our hardest to obtain funding via various means to try to make improvements to our village and surrounding areas,” the spokesperson said.
“We have had great success and several projects have been undertaken which, without the support of the local community, could not have happened. However, there have been a string of events that would suggest not everyone is in favour of what we do. This is very disheartening as we are volunteers – we get nothing from this apart from the satisfaction that we have made a difference.”
They added that, at this point in time, the committee is considering if there is any point in carrying on ‘without the support of the wider community’.
“We will be looking at where we go from here. As a group, we are exhausted by the repeated attempts at destroying our efforts,” they added.
“Somebody must know whoever is responsible for these actions and, as the Gardai are now investigating the matter, we would appreciate any information being forwarded to them.”
Over the past two years, the group has made numerous improvements to the village including, raising funds for two defibrillators, obtaining life preservers for the river walks, supplied picnic benches and seating around the village.
They have also erected bird and butterfly boxes, created two free libraries and erected sculptures in several areas. In addition, they have held several events for the village children and supported their new Ukrainian residents.
If anyone has information in relation to any of the above incidents, they should contact Milford Garda Station on 074-9153060 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.
Tags: