'Hurt' and 'disgust' vandals smash windows at new £7.2m Irish language school

By Kevin Mullan

Published 19th Sep 2023, 10:43 BST

Updated 19th Sep 2023, 10:43 BST

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‘Hurt’ and ‘disgust’ have been expressed after several windows at a new Irish language school in Strabane were smashed over the weekend.

The vandalism occurred at the site of a new build for the £7.2m Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane.

The school authorities expressed concern that the criminal damage will delay construction work.

“Tá díomá an domhain orainn. [We are extremely disappointed]. As a school community we are hurt by this.

One of the windows that was smashed at the Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh new build over the weekend.

One of the windows that was smashed at the Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh new build over the weekend.

“I can only plead to those involved to please refrain from damaging our new school and adding to any delay in getting our school built. We have waited so long and so patiently for this,” the school stated.

Sinn Féin MLA Maolíosa McHugh condemned those responsible.

"I am totally disgusted at the news that the new build for the Gaelscoil in Strabane was broken into over the weekend and three newly installed windows were broken.

“While this appears to have been an act of wanton vandalism and not a pre-meditated attack, it is difficult to understand the mentality of anyone who wrecks and destroys for cheap kicks.

Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh has expressed concern that the vandalism could delay work on the new build.

Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh has expressed concern that the vandalism could delay work on the new build.

“Whoever did this is oblivious of the years of struggle and hard work associated with the Gaelscoil to secure this new build and how such vandalism could set back these efforts.

Acts of ‘wanton vandalism’ impact on Destined services

“If anyone has information as to the identities of those involved in this vandalism they should pass it on. The contractor is now having to review security at the site,” said the West Tyrone MLA.

The incident occurred on the Strahans Road where the new £7.2million Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh is being constructed.

Education Permanent Secretary, Dr Mark Browne, cutting the sod at the new £7.2million Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane along with Principal, Maire Ni Dhochartaigh and Chairperson of Governors, Colman Mac an Chrosain, earlier this year.

Education Permanent Secretary, Dr Mark Browne, cutting the sod at the new £7.2million Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane along with Principal, Maire Ni Dhochartaigh and Chairperson of Governors, Colman Mac an Chrosain, earlier this year.

Dash Cam footage is being sought by police after windows were smashed at an Irish language school in Strabane over the weekend.

Sod turned on new £7.2million Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane

Police have confirmed that at sometime between the evening of Friday, September 15 and the morning of Monday, September 18 a number of newly installed windows were broken.

Police would like anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or out of the ordinary to make contact.

"We appreciate the wide time scale, but if those with Dash Cam review their footage and find anything of note, please also let us know.

"If you have any information to assist Police, then please contact 101 or report online quoting reference number 202 of the 18th September 2023,” the PSNI said.

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