Covert CCTV suggested to catch Letterkenny graffiti artists

An Garda Síochána have been consulted over preventative measures over graffiti in Letterkenny.

Graffiti has been repeatedly daubed on walls across Letterkenny in recent weeks.

Slogans such as ‘One Love’ and ‘Jesus Loves You’, among others, have been sprayed on walls and public signage.

Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh brought a motion on the issue to the January meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.

The Fine Gael representative asked that the Council deal with a matter he says ‘is getting out of hand’.

“Graffiti also makes people wary of an area, creating the feeling that it looks neglected or unsafe,” Councillor Kavanagh said,

He said the graffiti has appeared at locations like the bus stop at the Cathedral car park, the Hugh Duffy car park, Gortlee, Sentry Hill, St Eunan’s College and New Line Road.

“This is vandalism that causes time and money to remove,” Councillor Kavanagh said. “It is also on the back of road signs and could be a distraction to motorists.

“It is a major problem for the Tidy Towns committee and could do damage to their efforts. It is a serious waste of resources for the Tidy Towns committee and the Council staff who are working to remedy this. The message has to get out that its an offence of criminal damage.”

Councillor Kavanagh added that there have been instances where graffiti has been cleared up only to reappear within 24 hours.

Councillor Michael McBride asked if the Council could perhaps use covert CCTV to monitor the affected areas.

A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said: “Donegal County Council are also liaising with Community groups regarding the removal of Graffiti from private property. The Gardai are being consulted regarding the prevention of the reoccurrence of the graffiti.”