Displaying items by tag: ringbuoys

16th July 2013

Public Vigilance Urged After Lifebuoy Vandalised in Limerick City

#watersafety – Limerick City Council is urging members of the public to report damaged, stolen, missing or retrieved ringbuoys after a lifebuoy box and pole were vandalised at Athlunkard Bridge.

A member of a local boat club last night reported the missing lifebuoy to the Council's Water Safety Development Officer who on inspection determined that the lifesaving device was either stolen or thrown into the River Shannon. The lifebuoy, which is due to be replaced in the coming days, is one of 16 lifebuoys to have been replaced around Limerick City since the beginning the year.

According to Valerie Stundon: "Lifebuoys are crucial to preventing drownings in Limerick's waterways. The damaging or removal of such vitally important equipment endangers lives which is why I urge members of the public to report such incidences directly to Limerick City Council or via www.ringbuoys.ie ."

Commenting on last night's incident at Athlunkard Bridge, the Council's Water Safety Development Officer said: "The lifebuoy box and pole were ripped from the ground and more than likely thrown into the river. A report was received from a member of Athlunkard Boat Club who reported that some people who have been jumping into the river have taken the buoy, got rid of the ring and have used the rope to make a swing by tying it on to a tree. I have now requested the Council's Roads Department to have a new pole, lifebuoy box and buoy erected during the coming days."

Ms. Stundon confirmed that a lifebuoy box and pole at Corbally Baths have recently suffered a similar fate as the Athlunkard Box and Pole.

She continued: "Keeping in mind that a stolen ringbuoy means a stolen life, it is regrettable that a very small minority of people continue to engage in stealing or vandalising ringbuoys, and fail to appreciate the potentially very serious consequences of their actions. The WSDO would ask members of the public to refrain from interfering with any lifebuoy around the City and only use them in the event of someone entering the river and requiring assistance. Lifebuoys are not a toy."

Limerick City Council has 53 lifebuoys located around the City. 45 replacements were made in total in 2012 with a recurrence for replacements of 3-4 times at some locations. 16 have replaced to date in 2013.

Members of the public are requested to report damaged, stolen, missing or retrieved ringbuoys via www.ringbuoys.ie , or by emailing [email protected] or calling 061-407100.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.