The Impartial Reporter has recently seen a Freedom of Information request on the prevalence of graffiti across the Fermanagh district.

The total cost for the removal of graffiti across the Fermanagh district between 2019-2021 so far has cost £1,245.

Indeed, the document shows the prices of removal of graffiti across the county. The removal of one graffiti piece by the Council can cost from £35 to as high as £120.

Graffti was removed from Newtownbutler Main Street, the play area in Derrygonnelly and the Boundary sign on the Tempo to Fivemiletown road at a cost of £35.

The next price of removal was £70 per piece of graffiti. This included The Galloon Jetty and the community allotment in Newtownbutler, the Townhill play park in Irvinestown as well as signs on the Crannog Way, The INTEC Centre and The Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen.

The highest price for removal of graffti was £120 per piece. Included in this section was Pound Street Public Convenience, Lough Shore Road car park and Inis Ceithlinn pathway in Enniskillen, Penny Lane Entry Lane in Irvinestown and Newtownbutler Community allotment site.

One of the area’s most effected by graffiti throughout the period of 2019-2021 was Newtownbutler. In 2020 there were three incidents of graffiti in the small rural village. In areas including the Main Street and twice at The Community Allotment Site. Back in 2019 there was also Graffiti on the Gallon Jetty. The total cost of removal of this graffiti in Newtownbulter cost £295.

Independent Councillor for Erne East Eamon Keenan expressed his opinion saying there seems to be an increase in graffiti in a few areas recently and yes it does cost the taxpayer to clean it up.” He continued: “It is my opinion that a lot of this is a symptom of the social neglect and inequality that pertains to Newtownbutler and many other areas in Erne East in particular. There is a real need for financial, cultural, and social investment in Newtownbutler and Fermanagh as a whole.” The councillor explained his concern saying: “The proliferation of alcohol and other mind-altering substances has also become more prevalent and again is a symptom of the inequality that many are now experiencing in our area due to decades of Neo-liberal policies which have been implemented by those in power.”