OPW Minister Vows To Meet Local Groups In Matter Of "Days" As Damage At Donaghcumper Draws Outrage

Thursday, 8 May 2025 10:46

By Martin Osborne

Four vehicles were overturned, a teleporter was driven into a river, and the wires on four CCTV units were cut on the grounds.

Local groups said they are "ready and waiting" to meet OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran.

Speaking on national radio, Minister Moran said he will meet groups in the coming days but no matter what happens "staff come first".

He has committed to meeting groups on the ground over "the next number of days".

He said it "would be wrong to suggest" when a resolution would be found.

He said he needs to work with the groups and that "there has to be compromise and calm."

Four vehicles were overturned, a teleporter was driven into a river, and the wires on four CCTV units were cut on the grounds.

Just last week, Kfm revealed details about an arson incident at Donaghcumper House.

The incident occurred sometime between 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, and 7:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 24.

During that incident, a toilet, several road bollards, and a welfare unit on the premises were set alight, resulting in an estimated €3,400 worth of damage.

OPW staff have been reporting to Donaghcumper House for transport to Castletown House since 10 April

Last night, Kfm spoke to members from a number of local groups, TDs and Cllrs who all described their shock over the latest development.

The Save Castletown Committee also issued a statement, expressing their "shock".

They said: "Save Castletown Committee would like to take this opportunity to express our solidarity with staff and those affected by these attacks."

The Castletown Gate Protectors also took to social media: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news this evening about the extensive criminal damage to OPW property at Donaghcumper House. We condemn any such action in the strongest possible terms and hope those responsible are brought to justice swiftly," they said.

You can listen to the full piece below.

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