Destruction of Community Facilities in Ballybeg a Disgrace – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie has said the destruction of numerous facilities in the community of Ballybeg is an absolute disgrace. Over recent days we have seen the devastation of a St Saviours’ Clubhouse, a resource centre and Ballybeg boxing club, this type of behaviour serves nobody in our society, Minister Coffey stated.

“There has been a huge amount of investment from the local community, council and government in these facilities over many years and that have served the people of Ballybeg well. This type of anti-social behaviour only means that young people in the community do not have access to essential facilities.

“I know as chairman of my local GAA club in Portlaw the huge amount of work the GAA does in youth development and community spirit; to lose your clubhouse is quite simply a devastating blow for the local residents of Ballybeg.

”I visited Ballybeg last saturday and met management committee members of the GAA club and youth centre and offered them my full support and assistance. In the aftermath of these awful attacks all funding options must be considered to restore premises and equipment including insurance,
government and local authority grant assistance and fund-raising efforts.

“I am calling on those with information on who might be responsible to come forward to Gardaí so that the guilty parties can be held accountable.”

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