SENATOR GALLAGHER CALLS FOR RENEWED CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT COPPER THEFT AS LOCAL PHONE LINES CUT AND STRIPPED OF VALUABLE METAL

Senator Robbie Gallagher has called for a new campaign to alert people of the ongoing theft of valuable metals and particularly the copper in telephone wires. Senator Gallagher was speaking after the remaining carcass of stripped wires was found dumped in Clonbarton, Drumconrath bog in North Meath. “It is possible that thieves targeting areas in Monaghan and Meath brought the stolen wires to this area in order to strip out the valuable copper wire.

Theft of phone wires has serious consequences for local communities. Apart from the environmental damage done, communications are also severely affected and unavailable for emergency or other calls. Such is the level of damage that these incidences may take days to repair.” explained Senator Gallagher. “There have been a number of recent incidences in Monaghan, in Magheracloone, for example, where the phone system was affected.

These incidences are a great inconvenience to local communities. It is possible that the wire was stolen and taken to quiet areas where the metal can be removed. The thieves then simply dump the carcass of the wire, which the council must then dispose of,” said Senator Gallagher. “I’m calling for a renewed awareness campaign around this issue to tackle the serious…