25-06-2025
Man arrested after a number of locations in Westport defaced with graffiti
Locations in Altamount Street, the urban greenway and the town centre were among those defaced between 11.30pm Monday June, 23, and 1.30am on Tuesday June 24.
An anti-graffiti project delivered by Westport Tidy Towns and funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development was also defaced.
Photos of the damage have circulated on social media and have been widely condemned, with local councillor Peter Flynn branding the culprits as 'brain dead idiots'.
Speaking to the Irish Independent this morning (Wednesday), Cllr Flynn said similar smaller incidents of illicit graffiti have occurred in the west Mayo town in recent years, but 'nothing as bad as this'.
The Westport Tidy Towns committee have won several national awards for the upkeep of the town. The Clew Bay town also scored favourably in a recent Irish Business Against Litter survey.
Westport Tidy Towns have already undertaken work to remove the paint
'We will not be deterred by wonton vandalism,' Westport Tidy Towns said in a statement on Facebook.
An Garda Síochána Mayo described the vandalism as 'deeply upsetting.'
'Westport is well known for its long and proud tradition of being involved in the Tidy Towns - this is due to the strong community spirit and voluntary efforts of local residents, businesses, and those working with Mayo County Council who together - make our town a beautiful and welcoming place to both live and visit.'
Anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the locality between the hours of 11.30pm Monday June, 23, and 1.30am on Tuesday June 24 is asked to contact Westport Garda Station by phone or in person.
Gardaí are currently examining CCTV footage as part of their investigation. They have asked anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage captured when the alleged criminal damage occurred to make it available to them.
'Our message is very clear- incidents of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour of this nature, will not be tolerated, and will be fully investigated.'
