BY MARK MCKELVEY
TWENTY-SIX windows and five skylights have been smashed by vandals at the Sacred Heart College in Omagh, causing in excess of £2,000 worth of damage.
The wreckage at the school was discovered on Monday morning, but the lasting effects of the damage is much more detrimental than simply broken glass. The consequential effects of this mindless act has an adverse impact on the quality of education that the school is able to provide as the reparation fee will come out of the school's budget.
Principal of the Sacred Heart College, Donal McDermott outlined the level of damage caused.
He said, "Some time during the weekend a number of skylights were kicked in, but were unable to enter the building because it is re-enforced glass, but they are particularly difficult to replace as they are very old, and there is no modern replacement for them, so they are quite expensive to replace.
"Together with the 26 broken windows we are talking anywhere in the region of £2,000 worth of damage, caused by an anti-social element, climbing the fence, coming onto the grounds despite it being locked up."
Mr McDermott continued to explain how this will impact the quality of education service they are able to provide.
"This act is damaging to the whole community, not just us, as it damages the quality of education that we can offer because we have to divert money to do other things," declared Mr McDermott. "That money will have to come out of our budget meaning our pupils will not be able to get new computers or go on a trip or perhaps supply new books.
"It is a worry entering the clear evenings and the Easter break that further incidents would occur. We are asking parents to be vigilant of what their children are doing at night and making sure they are not on private property."
The vandals are believed to have gained access to the roof of the building over the weekend and anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact local police. The number to call with any information is 0845 600 8000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
