Deliberate placing of broken glass on children’s playpark equipment ‘absolutely reprehensible’
Members of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have strongly condemned the actions of those who smashed glass in a children’s playpark and placed it on the equipment.
Alliance Councillor Stephen Donnelly told members the incident occurred at the Grange playpark in which: “An individual or individuals deliberately put broken glass onto parts of the equipment. The disgust that has been felt by so many people who bring their children to that facility regularly is tangible. I cannot understand the mindset of anybody who would think that is acceptable behaviour.”
Councillor Donnelly highlighted: “We should not forget the fact that this is a destination playpark which was designed with the very clear purpose of being particularly inclusive if disabled children. The fact people would engage in activity that would put those young people and their families at risk is absolutely reprehensible.”
He called on anyone who witnessed this behaviour or sees it in the future to bring the information forwards to the PSNI and council because: “This is dangerous and utterly unacceptable.”
Head of Service Marcella Kinsella told members: “This is a massive health and safety risk to users and in that particular incident glass had been broken inside some of the tunnels so it wasn’t obvious until young children were physically going in. I know a number of them were quite distressed. We had a very speedy response from our estates team who got it cleared up, but all that does is divert resources away from other work.”
Concerningly Ms Kinsella added: “There has since been a further report on other council premises, so unfortunately its an ongoing issue.”
The PSNI have confirmed investigations are underway following a report of criminal damage in the Grange Play Park in the Mountjoy Road area.
Neighbourhood Inspector Beatty said: “Officers received a report on Friday 28 August that glass had been intentionally smashed and was spread throughout the play park, including on some play equipment.
“A young child could have been seriously injured. It is a shame this reckless act has taken place and caused disruption to a play park that benefits so many children in the local area. Anyone engaging in antisocial or criminal behaviour should be aware that it will be dealt with robustly. Public safety is of paramount importance to us.
“Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing, and I would strongly urge anyone with any information as to who might be responsible or who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area to please get in touch, on the 101 non-emergency number or through our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeal quoting 952 of 28/08/26.”