Vandals slammed for ‘disgraceful behaviour’ as trees worth €5,000 destroyed in Meath
A series of trees were singled out by suspected vandals along the Tara Road between Bettystown and Laytown, causing over €5,000 worth of damage.
Gardaí have launched a public appeal for information after over €5,000 worth of damage was caused along the Tara Road between Bettystown and Laytown in a suspected case of vandalism.
Gardaí in Meath have appealed for witnesses after vandals destroyed a series of trees along a main road between Bettystown and Laytown.
Investigating officers want to speak to any potential eye witnesses to the incident on Tuesday evening which resulted in “substantial” damage being caused.
The episode has led to widespread condemnation, led chiefly by members from Bettystown Tidy Towns Association.
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A spokesperson for the group took to social media to reveal the total cost in repairing the damaged trees was likely to exceed €5,000.
“Many of the trees we planted on the Tara Road were destroyed on Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning sometime after 11pm on Tuesday,” said the spokesperson.
“Over €5,000 worth of damage has been done.
“If you saw anyone damaging trees or have dashcam footage please can you share it with the Gardai who are investigating this incident.”
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The fallout from the episode drew a terse reaction from locals, many of whom hit out at those responsible.
“It’s disgraceful behaviour,” said one local. “All the hard work and hours you guys put in, we really appreciate your work making our village look amazing.”
Another termed the incident as “absolutely disgraceful behaviour”, adding enhanced CCTV was required in the area to prevent similar incidents occurring in the future.
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In an attempt to cover the costs of the damage, a GoFundMe page has been set up.
More than 100 donations received over the past 24 hours has led to almost €3,000 being raised as gardaí press ahead with an investigation into the incident.
“Laytown Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage which occurred sometime between 6pm (on Tuesday, April 23) and 8am (yesterday) morning,” said a garda spokesperson.
“A number of trees along Tara Road between Bettystown and Laytown were damaged beyond repair, costing a substantial amount of money.
Anyone with any information in relation to this incident are asked to please contact Laytown Garda Station on 041-9813320, Ashbourne Garda Station on 01-8010600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. To donate to the ‘Bettystown Tidy Towns fundraise to replace vandalised trees’ GoFundMe page, click here.
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