A disgraceful act of vandalism over the weekend has deprived Malahide sporting groups of their much needed all weather facility at Broomfield, Malahide.
The Broomfield all weather pitch has been severely vandalised over the weekend causing an estimated €17,000 worth of damage to the electrical system controlling the flood lights.
I am outraged by this disgraceful act and cannot believe that someone would deprive hundreds of people of this facility for some form of kick. It is a damming reflection on our society that this act of vandalism against council property, not the first in recent weeks, seems to be acceptable to a minority of people.
This facility which was completed last year at a cost of €500,000 has been knocked out of action for up to three weeks and will be a bitter blow to Malahide Hockey Club, St. Sylvesters GAA Club and of course local Community School, Pobail Scoil Iosa. Malahide Ward Councillors have fought hard to ensure that facilities in our electoral area are state of the art and we are blessed with many top clubs who have excellent facilities, right across the area.
It has been suggested that this act of vandalism was planned, given the highly dangerous act of dismantling a high voltage electrical system. If this is proved true it would surely be a sinister act of wanton destruction by parties who must be tracked down and prosecuted.
I would urge anyone with knowledge of this act to contact the Garda Confidential Number 1800666111 or Malahide Garda Station directly at 016664600