By Conor Sharkey
A Lifford priest has said the vandalism of a public art work at the weekend could have led to serious injury or worse.
Vandals targeted the 'Three Pennies' sculpting at Lifford Roundabout in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Three spotlights used to illuminate the artwork were ripped from the ground, leaving electrical cabling exposed and lying on the main road.
The cost of repairing the damage is as yet unclear, however it is likely to cost in excess of ¤1,000.
The Three Pennies was one of a dozen pieces of art unveiled last year as part of the ¤50,000 cross-border HEART Project.
The damage caused at the weekend is understood to be the first time any of the pieces have been substantially damaged by vandals.
Murlog Parish Priest Fr Edward Kilpatrick said the act was further proof that vandalism has become endemic in the town of Lifford.
"Initially, Lifford wasn't included in the HEART Project and some people worked hard to change that. I think
"The Three Pennies is a beautiful piece incorporating the history of Lifford and a wonderful tourist attraction.
distinction
"Now we have the distinction of being the first cross-border area to have our artwork damaged.
"It's an absolute disgrace, not to mention the dangers these people put themselves and the public in. Someone could easily have been electrocuted.
"But you have to question the mentality of those responsible and what atmosphere tolerates this. In the past Lifford school has been targeted, the REHAB has been targeted and the old graveyard has been vandalised.
"There is an atmosphere in Lifford and it seems that vandalism has become endemic out here.
"We have to face up to that," Fr Kilpatrick warned.
Head of Lifford Tidy Towns group Edward Bradley said the community was outraged at what had happened.
"We are all really furious because of the amount of time that was spent on getting The Three Pennies in the first place.
"We put so much time and effort on this and to have it vandalised is unbelievable.
"But this attack didn't take seconds, it took time to carry out and it's possible that someone saw something.
"So we are appealing to anyone with information to speak to the Garda .If you don't feel comfortable speaking to them, then pass the information on to Fr Kilpatrick," Mr Bradley said.
Were you at the Lifford Roundabout at around 5.20am on Saturday? Did you see anything suspicious?
If so, Lifford Gardai can be contacted on (00353) 7491 41048.
