Vandalism at New Ross park and bypass monument is 'disgraceful'

Two landmark visitor areas in and around New Ross have been damaged over recent weeks in disgraceful acts of vandalism.

Extensive fire damage has been caused to one of the two hand carved thrones at The High Hill medieval park, with damage also to the other. While steps have had graffiti sprayed on them, and a wooden bench has also been sprayed with graffiti.  

Meanwhile the 15-foot futuristic looking glass and steel hexagonal prism erected at Stokestown – several hundred metres from the iconic Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge and bypass – has been damaged and a nearby lane has become a dumping ground.

The art piece is located at a viewing area owned by Wexford County Council in Stokestown – several hundred metres from the iconic bridge. The structure loosely references the local architectural landmark of the nearby Stokestown House Folly.

Panels of glass have been smashed and cracked and there is rubbish inside and around the unique structure by artist Caoimhe Kilfeather, which was unveiled in the summer of 2020.

New Ross Municipal District cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael Sheehan said: “I think it’s disgraceful that anyone wold vandalise a park for whatever reason.”
He said the park has been a success since it opened adding that anyone who gives out about it is only giving oxygen to those intent on causing damage to public property.

"I can imagine the gardaí are investigating this and be looking at CCTV to determine when, where and how it happened. If it’s criminal intent I would be calling for the perpetrators to be pursued with the full extent of the law.”
Cllr Sheehan said litter is another growing issues in the town and across the district.

"The tidy towns groups do a great job so this is a blow to them. We have to ensure that we do everything we can to stop this.”

He has also been alerted by Stokestown residents to littering and broken glass at the art installation.

"Residents are sick and tired of this. I think it’s disgraceful that somebody would wantonly vandalise a piece of art. It really says a lot about some people in our community when they have nothing better to do than to destroy a public amenity. The residents have put up with a lot.”

He said the area is increasingly being used for anti social behaviour and other illegal behaviour.

"It’s something the county council will have to take up with the gardaí. I’ll raise it with the superintendent at our next meeting in February. In the meantime the council will repair it and clean up the area again.”