File Photo of the ARGO vehicle.LOCAL Sinn Fein Councillor Deirdre Ferris has described yesterday’s theft and damage to the ARGO search and rescue vehicle at Banna Beach as a disgraceful criminal act and has called on anyone with any information to contact the Gardaí.
The Argo Search and Rescue Vehicle is now non-operational. It is used as a rapid response vehicle for casualty recovery and for removing stranded cars on the beach.
Cllr Ferris said: “The theft of the lifesaving vehicle used by Banna Rescue in their volunteer work along the busy beach and the subsequent damage caused, has resulted in the Argo Search and Rescue Vehicle having to be stood down.”
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Cllr Ferris has described the theft and damage as disgraceful and criminal, especially in the current hot weather spell that has seen thousands of beach goers attending Banna Beach.
Cllr Ferris stated that: “Banna Rescue carry out an invaluable service by keeping bathers safe and support rescue operations from Barrow Beach to Kerryhead with the Argo. It offers a rapid response and allows lifesavers to reach Barrow Beach and Ballyheigue beach in 6 minutes.
“A new track system that extends the operational capability of the vehicle and one of the axels were damaged and will require repairs expected to cost thousands of Euro.”
“The purchase of the Argo in 2023 was a huge investment for Banna Rescue. It was paid for through grants and fundraising. The original cost was €40,000 with another €10,000 for the tracks, which, for a volunteer team supported by community donations, is really tough to take.”
“This most recent incident follows ongoing issues with emergency access points being blocked by some beach goers parking their vehicles inappropriately, preventing Banna Rescue from being able to launch their lifeboat. Volunteers have been verbally abused and ignored when they have asked people to move their vehicles from the emergency access point.”
Cllr Ferris has urged anyone with any information to contact the Gardaí.
