'Absolutely scandalous' theft in Tipperary as councillor calls for action
Cllr Jim Ryan calls for stolen Ladyswell Walk bench to be replaced
Tipperary County Councillor Jim Ryan is calling for the bench recently stolen from the Ladyswell Walk in Thurles to be replaced.
The bench was stolen from the walk on Friday, July 17.
Cllr Ryan is also calling on anyone with information on the stolen bench to contact gardaí as soon as possible.
In a video shared to social media, Cllr Ryan said: “Unfortunately it was brought to my attention that one of the wooden benches, the very same as the ones I’m sitting on here at the moment, was stolen last Friday night at the entrance on the Mill Road side of Ladyswell Walk, and there was an attempt made to steal this one, the very seat that I’m sitting on here at the moment.
“This is absolutely scandalous. These benches cost an awful lot of money to install, they’re an added feature to the beautiful walk here along Ladyswell, and people have looked for these benches to be installed down along through the years.
“I’m shocked and appalled that somebody would, in the middle of the night, come and steal a bench like this, and attempt to steal another one as well. A few years ago, the entrance gates at the Mill Road side, the steel gates, they were also stolen, so as a result, I raised this issue at our council meeting last week. I asked the council to secure this bench that I’m sitting on, which they have done in the meantime, so I’d like to thank Tipperary County Council outdoor staff for doing that.
“I’ve also looked for the bench that was stolen to be replaced, and for the gates at the entrance on to the Mill Road side to be replaced as well to stop future attempts of antisocial behaviour and any attempts of robbery of the benches that are here.
“So hopefully that will happen. It’s a beautiful walk, people should enjoy it while the weather is good.
“So if anybody has any information in relation to it, can they please go to the gardaí, as this is just unacceptable behaviour and I won’t stand for it as a county councillor from the Mill Road, just over from here,” he concluded.