COUNCILLOR Jimmy Kavanagh has asked Donegal County Council to consider the use of ‘smart technology’ to monitor the county’s life buoy rings.
This would enable them to be alerted immediately to any life rings that are removed so they can act immediately to replace them, he said.
“I have had reports from members of the public about life rings being removed from their locations,” said Councillor Kavanagh.
“This is an issue not just in Donegal but all over the country. Even though it is quite unbelievable that anyone would do such a thing, some counties are reporting that up to 40 per-cent of their life rings are being stolen or removed from their locations.
“I had a successful motion agreed a number of years ago to locate a ring buoy at the Oldtown bridge in Letterkenny and it’s sad that it has since had to be replaced at least twice. Removing a ring buoy could cost a life, and it is timely, as we enter the busiest summer months, to remind people of how important it is not to interfere with this life saving equipment.
Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh who says smart technology could be key to monitoring the county’s life rings and buoys.
“At present the council depends on its own inspections or reports from members of the public to alert it to missing life rings. I am asking that the council investigate using technology so that rings that are removed are reported immediately to the relevant staff.”
Councillor Kavanagh added that he welcomed the answer from the council that they are currently part of a pilot process to trial technological systems along with Dublin City, Rathdown/Dun Laoghaire and South Dublin councils.
“Such a system might not only safe lives but could also prove to be economical in the long term if it can assist with retrieving missing ring buoys. And I hope we can have a workable system in place as soon as possible. In the meantime if you know of a missing ring buoy you can report it to Donegal county council or log it online at www.ringbuoys.ie,” he added.
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