Clare Public Urged To Report Missing Or Damaged Ringbuoys

www.ringbuoys.ie has been developed by the Kildare Committee of Irish Water Safety.

Minister of State Killeen noted that it was a matter of serious concern when Clare Local Authorities has to go to the expense of installing ringbuoys along river banks and other locations only for them to be vandalised or stolen.

He added: "Ringbuoys are crucial to preventing drownings in our waterways and along the Clare coastline. Their removal from set locations endangers lives which is why I urge members of the public to report such incidences to the new website. I would be hopeful that the new service will help ensure ringbuoys are in their correct locations when they are needed."

Minister of State Killeen commented: "Keeping in mind that a stolen ringbuoy means a stolen life, it is regrettable that a very small minority of people continue to engage in stealing or vandalising ringbuoys, and fail to appreciate the potentially very serious consequences of their actions. Anyone who interferes with a lifebelt is endangering a life, and deserves punishment by the rigours of the law for their recklessness."

The Clare T.D commented that one of the most important tools at the disposal of a would-be rescuer was the ringbuoy.

"In fact a rescuer can effect a successful rescue without getting into the water through the proper use of a ringbuoy. This website innovation will help to ensure that a potential rescuer will always have this vital rescue tool at his/her disposal", he concluded.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- High-resolution images of Tony Killeen, Fianna Fail TD for Clare, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with special responsibility for Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine, may be downloaded from www.dunphyprimages.com
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR at media@dunphypr.com or 086-8534900