Gardaí and fire service attacked in Ballina

A PETROL bomb and rocks were thrown at gardaí and members of the fire service in Ballina on Saturday night.
Members of the fire service came under attack as they responded to a call on Saturday night at the Greenhills Estate area of the town.
They were forced to leave the area when a large group of youths began firing stones at them. Some of the youths were wearing balaclavas during the serious incident.
Gardaí who were patrolling in a van nearby then responded, and a petrol bomb was thrown at the vehicle.
A youth was subsequently arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. The youth was later released and a file is currently being prepared for the DPP.
Those responsible for the weekend attack of the gardaí and fire fighters involved should be dealt with ‘very firmly’ according to Ballina Councillor Gerry Ginty.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday evening (Monday) Independent Councillor Ginty said his first reaction on hearing about the incident was one of ‘disappointment’.
“Little things have been happening in Ballina for awhile now, a few young lads around town are completely out of control. When little things are allowed to happen big things like this follow,” said Cllr Ginty.
He added: “The problem is gardaí don’t have the manpower. People who know who did it need to come forward too and should report them and help convict them. Guards can’t do much if people don’t report things.”