Defibrillator vandalised at the summit of Croagh Patrick

A garda investigation is underway after a defibrillator installed on Croagh Patrick was vandalised over the weekend. 

The emergency units and the defibrillator on the summit had its door broken but none of the equipment was taken. 

Several similar units have been installed throughout Mayo, including three on Croagh Patrick. Each unit contains equipment designed to aid people during medical emergencies.

Darren Forde, founder of Eco Powered Cabinets, who produced the unit, said the perpetrators broke all 24 hinges to remove the door, which was left unlocked. It is the second time the unit has been damaged in three months. 

Mr Forde told The Mayo News that it was ‘likely’ that a lock, code and internal camera would have to be installed on the unit to prevent it being damaged in future. 

The three units on Croagh Patrick have been used on a number of occasions since being installed more than two years ago.

Powered by solar energy, the weather-proof units are accessible to first responders all year round.

The defibrillators at the cone and the foot of Croagh Patrick are still operational. 

Anyone with information relating to the damage done to the unit on Croagh Patrick can contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230.