Buncrana play park damaged by vandals over weekend

Buncrana residents have been left outraged and saddened after serious damage was caused to the Festival Park in the town after an apparent vandal drove a vehicle through a number of protective fences.

The damage happened on Saturday night or into the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Festival Park is located on Buncrana’s Shore Front and is a playpark that is incredibly popular with parents and kids all year round.

The playpark was made inclusive last summer thanks to the Friel family, from Buncrana, who set up a fundraiser titled ‘Fun For All,’ in memory of their brother Gareth, who passed away in 2022. As part of making the park more inclusive, they added thirteen new pieces of equipment.

South Inishowen Councillor Jack Murray shared photos on social media of the significant damage to the playpark fencing, as well as what appear to be car tyre marks in the vicinity. There was also damage to a seat by the wheelchair swing.

The Sinn Féin public rep is encouraging anyone with information to come forward – and he has also requested that the park be fully repaired by Donegal County Council as soon as possible.

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“Really saddened to see significant damage to the Festival Park at the Shore Front – a place which is enjoyed by so many of us. I’d also ask that anyone with any information as to what happened come forward,” Cllr Murray urged.

On Monday morning, the damaged posts and panels were removed by Council staff and temporary fencing has been put in place to close the openings and keep the playground safe in the interim.

The Inishowen Cathaoirleach concluded that “hopefully it'll be fully repaired soon. Massive thanks to the Council, and John Deeney in particular, for acting so swiftly.”