'Cowardly, dangerous' attack on midlands fire service condemned

Councillors have hit out at the "cowardly, dangerous and life-threatening" action of individuals in an Athlone area on Halloween night, after the local fire service came under sustained attack when responding to an emergency 999 call.

On arriving at the scene of the call-out - understood to be at Blackberry Lane in Athlone - a fire engine was met by a number of individuals who bombarded the vehicle with a volley of shots launched from handheld firework launchers.

It is believed that no physical injuries were reported from the incident, nor was there any significant damage to the vehicle.

Raising the matter at Monday's meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke described the incident as "disturbing, deliberate and orchestrated".

While he did not name the location, stating instead that it was "a small identifiable part of Athlone', he called on anybody found to have been involved in the incident to be removed from their properties, if they are tenants of the local authority.

“This was not a random attack – it was an ambush. The fireworks were aimed at the front windscreen of the vehicle,” said Cllr O'Rourke, who before the meeting circulated an online video of the incident to fellow council members.

“It was absolutely disgraceful, cowardly, dangerous and life-threatening,” he added.

“The 999 call was made to deliberately lure firefighters to the area. The incident was an assault on frontline personnel working on behalf of Westmeath County Council. It is serious criminal behaviour – not anti-social behaviour,” said Cllr O'Rourke.

He called on the council to support firefighters who attended the scene and asked for members to be updated on the incident at the December meeting.

Cllr O'Rourke added that this was not the behaviour of unruly juveniles, saying the online video to him appeared to show adults taking part in the ambush.

Cllr John Dolan said the council needed to be “very strong” on the matter and that if any perpetrators are found to reside in council accommodation that they should face “tough consequences”.

District Mayor Cllr Liam McDaniel said he “couldn't believe his eyes” when viewing the online video.

“These people, in my opinion, should be taken off the streets and locked up,” he said.

“The culprits need to be apprehended, charged and if they are council tenants, they should be evicted, in my opinion,” he added.

Cllr Frankie Keena also expressed disapproval, describing the incident as “frightening, shocking and horrific”.

Further condemning the incident, Cllr Tom Farrell said it sets “a dangerous tone” for where the country is going.

“There was serious intent to cause serious damage,” said Cllr Farrell.

Cllr John Gibbons called for action to be taken against the perpetrators as quickly as possible and said the online video was “very disturbing”, while Cllr Johnny Penrose said “the full vigour of the law” should be brought upon anyone found guilty of involvement in the incident.

District Manager Jackie Finney, who described the incident as “absolutely shocking”, said the council will liaise closely with local Gardaí in the matter and that strong measures are in place for dealing with anti-social behaviour in council properties.

She added that the council would also need to allow the Gardaí's investigations to take its course.

Athlone Gardai have been contacted for comment.