A local councillor says damage allegedly caused to a €50,000 rescue vehicle in Banna is a disgraceful criminal act.
Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Ferris says the Argo Search and Rescue Vehicle at Banna Beach is now non-operational, at one of the busiest times of the year.
The Argo vehicle is an amphibious rescue vehicle which allows the Banna Rescue team to traverse the 10km stretch of beach from Ballyheigue to Barrow, crossing the inlets at Akeragh and Poulgorm, resulting in a quicker response.
It was purchased in 2023 at a cost of €40,000 with another €10,000 for the tracks of the vehicle, paid for by grants and fundraising.
The vehicle was allegedly taken at around 2pm on Monday, but was recovered a short distance away.
Cllr Deirdre Ferris says there was also damage caused to the vehicle – specifically a new track system allowing it to operate further, and one of the axels.
She says the repairs will likely cost thousands of euro.
The Sinn Féin councillor described it as the most used and most versatile piece of equipment Banna Rescue have, as it’s used as a rapid response vehicle for casualty recovery and for removing stranded cars on the beach.
She says the alleged theft and damage of the vehicle is disgraceful and criminal.
Cllr Ferris says the vehicle is now non-operational at one of the busiest times on our beaches, and she has urged anyone with any information to contact the gardaí.
Gardaí are investigating the matter.
The Sinn Féin councillor said this incident follows other issues with the blocking of emergency access to the beach by people parking vehicles inappropriately.
