Six lifebuoys were set on fire by a gang at Kilkenny Castle along the River Nore on Wednesday night.
Local Fine Gael Cllr Patrick O’Neill said that “one stolen lifebuoy could lead to one stolen life”.
“Over 40 lifebuoys have been damaged in the last couple of weeks. This act of vandalism is life-threatening and has cost the council around €4,000 so far this year,” he said.
“Bins in the area have also been damaged costing another €1,000- €2,000.”