‘Shocking’ - Anger in Waterford over kids starting fires on much-loved riverwalk
Residents of the Dunmore Road have taken to social media following another incident on the Ballinakill Riverwalk
There is anger in Waterford city over kids reportedly starting fires on a much-loved local riverwalk.
Residents of the Dunmore Road have taken to social media following another incident on the Ballinakill Riverwalk over the weekend.
The incident was detailed in a post to the Facebook group ‘Dunmore Road and Waterford East News’.
The group admin, Eoghan Hartery, wrote: “Walker saw another fire being started on the riverwalk, next to the woods.
“He had seen them at the bush and left in a hurry when they saw him approaching him.
“I just happened to be out in the garden at the time and saw them leave as they were coming up from the back.
“[He] mentioned something about a fire, so I went down and met the walker. It was a small bush and we were able to contain it.”
He went on to describe the group who are alleged to have started the fire.
“Confirmed six kids on bicycles plus two on electric bikes. No more than 14 years old and youngest about 11.
“Same ones who have been down this way the last few nights.
“It was kids, not a glass bottle - as previously suggested. Nearest house 20 metres.”
A number of other residents expressed anger at the incident in the comments section of the post.
One local woman said: “Parents should be told and made accountable and pay for fire brigade calls outs. I know this time there was no need for the fire brigade.
“They are minors and if the parents don't take responsibility then Tulsa should step in and educate parents on parenting or put in ‘supports’. Enough is enough now.”
“That’s really bad form Eoghan. I can understand your frustration now, absolutely,” another woman wrote.
In response to this comment, Mr Hartery said: “Not sure if you have been down there lately, but it’s horrible.
“It’s devastating for the environment and the small animals that live there and the people who use the walkway.”
In a separate comment, he confirmed that the incident had been reported to An Garda Síochána.
“A number of calls have been logged. We are trying to engage to have extra patrols out and about.
“It’s become so frequent now that some people are not going down there anymore.
“Even all the businesses in the Brasscock Centre see it everyday and cannot do anything about it.”
The incident is the latest in a series of fires in the area in recent weeks.