A relatively new scuba-diving centre based in a Markethill quarry have expressed their deep hurt and frustration after vandals targeted their property leaving them will a bill mounting into the thousands.
Known as Markethill SCUBA Quarry, the business premises on the Coolmillish Road suffered the “serious” attack sometime in the days leading up to May 30, when it was discovered.
In a social media post with accompanying photos of the damage, the business said “At some point in recent days, individuals unlawfully entered the site and caused extensive damage.”
Describing the extent of that damage, they said: “A window was smashed. Doors were forced open. The office was ransacked. Furniture was damaged. Training equipment was vandalised. A disabled-access chair was deliberately damaged and thrown into the water. Equipment used for diver training and search and recovery training was also dumped into the quarry.”
So far, they say the financial cost already “exceeds £2,500”, but that the monetary loss is “only part of the damage”.
“What hurts most is seeing months of hard work, personal investment, volunteer effort, and generous donations treated with complete disregard,” continued Markethill SCUBA.
Markethill SCUBA Quarry is a training facility used by divers from across Ireland. It is also used for vital search and recovery training.
“While we all hope these skills are never needed, they are sometimes called upon to help families during the most difficult times imaginable,” they explained. “One thing many people may not know is that our search and recovery assistance has always been provided completely free of charge. Nobody involved receives payment for helping families in need. Volunteers give their time, equipment, and expertise simply because it is the right thing to do.”
The business has now been forced to redirect their immediate focus to recovering their equipment, clean up the premises and repair the damage.
To help expedite their remedial work and alleviate the financial pressures imposed on them, the company have launched a GoFundMe page to bring in much needed funds.
Thankfully, they have already received donations in the region of €1,611 but it will take a great deal more to get them back on their feet and functioning as normal.
Police confirmed they are investigating a report, which they are treating as a burglary, at premises in the Coolmillish Road area of Markethill.
Inspector Lawson said: “Shortly after 10.15am on Saturday 30th May officers received a report that the windows of a storage container had been smashed and damage caused to the inside of it.
“It’s believed that this happened sometime between around three pm on May 24th, and 10am on May 30th.
“Officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or who has any information which might assist, to get in touch.
“The number to call is 101, and quote reference number 505 of 30/05/26.”
You can make a contribution to Markethill SCUBA’s GoFundMe page here.
