More than 30 ring buoys that had been removed from their locations and thrown along the River Corrib and the Salthill prom, were returned to the Galway City Council this week.
The 34 ring buoys were collected by Labour city councillor Niall McNelis and members of the Cladonian Mariners Community Boat Club, and the Galway Harbour Office.
“A stolen ring buoy is a stolen life,” said Cllr McNelis, “and buoys also cost €55 each. There was a criminal conviction in Limerick last year when an individual was charged for vandalising buoys in the city and interfering with life buoys is vandalism.”
Cllr McNelis wants an education programme for schools in the city on the importance of ring buoys, and for more resources to be given support such drives.
“The State spends a fraction on water safety compared to road safety and yet there have been 17 drownings this year,” he said.
Cllr McNelis said that if a member of the public sees a damaged, stolen, missing or have found a ring buoy they should contact the local authority or see www.ringbuoys.ie
