An Garda Síochána is investigating the removal of a fire risk warning sign on Achill Island.
It is understood that the incident occurred at the Grove, Bunnacurry in the days leading up to the Achill Half Marathon which took place on Saturday 5 July.
The sign was one of three temporary fire safety signs installed in recent weeks by Mayo County Council in response to continued fire risk and rising community concern. There have been 12 fires recorded on the island in the last three years and, there have been already three in 2025.
Anyone with information about the missing sign is asked to contact the Gardaí in confidence.
A spokesperson for Mayo County Council said: “Mayo County Council are aware of the issue regarding removal of signage at the Grove, Bunnacurry. The matter is under investigation by An Garda Síochána.”
The Achill IFA Commonage Fire Watch Team is strongly condemning the criminal removal of a newly installed fire risk warning sign at The Grove, Bunnacurry, a recognised fire blackspot and one of the busiest stretches of road on Achill Island.
Fire safety
The Achill Irish Farmrs Association Commonage Fire Watch Team has condemned the criminal removal of a newly installed fire risk warning sign from and area which it said is a “recognised fire blackspot and one of the busiest stretches of road on Achill Island”.
The team have now called on properly funded, permanent fire risk signage across the island.
“The removal of this public safety signage represents a serious act of interference with efforts to protect homes, farmland, biodiversity, and lives,” a fire watch team spokesperson said.
“These roadside fires, often caused by discarded cigarette butts, have come within metres of homes, destroyed thousands of acres of grazing land and habitats, and placed enormous pressure on local emergency services.
“As road use increases during the summer months, the need for clear public messaging becomes even more critical.”
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An Garda Síochána is investigating the removal of a fire risk warning sign on Achill Island.
It is understood that the incident occurred at the Grove, Bunnacurry in the days leading up to the Achill Half Marathon which took place on Saturday 5 July.
The sign was one of three temporary fire safety signs installed in recent weeks by Mayo County Council in response to continued fire risk and rising community concern. There have been 12 fires recorded on the island in the last three years and, there have been already three in 2025.
Anyone with information about the missing sign is asked to contact the Gardaí in confidence.
A spokesperson for Mayo County Council said: “Mayo County Council are aware of the issue regarding removal of signage at the Grove, Bunnacurry. The matter is under investigation by An Garda Síochána.”
The Achill IFA Commonage Fire Watch Team is strongly condemning the criminal removal of a newly installed fire risk warning sign at The Grove, Bunnacurry, a recognised fire blackspot and one of the busiest stretches of road on Achill Island.
Fire safety
The Achill Irish Farmrs Association Commonage Fire Watch Team has condemned the criminal removal of a newly installed fire risk warning sign from and area which it said is a “recognised fire blackspot and one of the busiest stretches of road on Achill Island”.
The team have now called on properly funded, permanent fire risk signage across the island.
“The removal of this public safety signage represents a serious act of interference with efforts to protect homes, farmland, biodiversity, and lives,” a fire watch team spokesperson said.
“These roadside fires, often caused by discarded cigarette butts, have come within metres of homes, destroyed thousands of acres of grazing land and habitats, and placed enormous pressure on local emergency services.
“As road use increases during the summer months, the need for clear public messaging becomes even more critical.”
Read more
Achill farmers seek urgent action on wildfires
Achill up in arms over sheep
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