Mystery surrounds removal of four metal lids in estate

MYSTERY surrounds the apparent removal of four cable chamber lids in Kilnamanagh, with one local councillor fearing the metal lids may have been stolen.

The lids vanished at some point between Saturday night and Sunday morning last weekend, along the busy footpath from Parkhill, past the GAA pitches and down towards Elmcastle.

This left the cable chambers exposed, and principals from the local boys’ and girls’ school, St Kevin’s, took decisive action and covered them with wood ahead of Monday morning.

Commenting on the removal of the lids, local Fianna Fáil councillor Charlie O’Connor said he believed they may have been stolen.

“As I understand it, there were five drains interfered with and the covers were taken, presumed stolen, but they’ve certainly vanished,” Cllr O’Connor told The Echo on Monday morning.

“It created a danger, particularly this morning, as a lot of children walk on those paths when they’re going to school.

“I spoke to the principal of the boys’ and girls’ schools and they put wooden coverings on to prevent people falling in.”

While there were no known mishaps during the school run on Monday, Cllr O’Connor said there are still concerns around what actually happened to the cable chamber lids.

“They’re an important part of the infrastructure of the path,” he explained.

“I’m worried that people could’ve done this, especially on a path that’s used by people going to the GAA club and children going to school.”

The Echo contacted South Dublin County Council, who confirmed that four cable chamber lids had been removed without council authorisation.

“This was investigated [on Sunday],” stated a council spokeswoman.

“Once the affected cable chambers were identified, new lids were sourced and have been replaced today [Monday].”