Garda appeal after blight of ‘doughnuts' on roads

GARDAÍ in West Cork are appealing for anyone who witnessed so called ‘boy racers’ doing ‘doughnuts’ on roads throughout the county last weekend to contact them with any information that might help identify them.

While gardaí did have a presence across the region, they were unable to stop the unprecedented number of motorists doing doughnuts in various locations including Drinagh, Bantry, Leap, Caheragh, Drimoleague, Clonakilty, Beal na Bláth, Rosscarbery and Skibbereen. 

One such motorist, who was caught in the act by gardaí near Rosscarbery on Sunday morning, was arrested and appeared in Clonakilty District Court on Tuesday. 

He was ordered to pay €500 to the court’s poor box but avoided a conviction. 

Supt Ger O’Mahony from Clonakilty Garda Station said that they did monitor the large number of car enthusiasts that descend annually to the area during the weekend’s West Cork Rally.

‘We were certainly aware of their presence in the area and especially in Drinagh on Friday night where a large contingent had gathered and they were closely monitored,’ Supt O’Mahony told The Southern Star.

‘A lot of work went into this over the weekend and we had resources to tackle it and we did stop and check a lot of cars, but it’s impossible to have members of the Force at every crossroads. However, we didn’t receive any complaints from the public over doughnuts being carried out on public roads. But if anyone has any information on those that carried out these road markings, they can contact us at Clonakilty Garda Station.’

Last year there were red faces in Beal na Blath after young drivers left doughnut marks at the historical site, just hours before Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald arrived. Television news cameras caught the unsightly black tyre marks on film as the Minister was interviewed about the annual commemoration.

As well as damaging the roads, the young drivers are putting themselves and other motorists at high risk during such manoeuvres, as tyres can blow out under the pressure. It also leaves the tyres seriously damaged after the events.