Two public defibrillators in Wexford damaged or stolen in recent days

Two public access defibrillators in separate parts of County Wexford have either been damaged or stolen in recent days, prompting appeals for information from community groups in Gorey and Wexford town…

In Gorey, the volunteer-led group Defibs4Gorey expressed their disappointment after discovering that one of the town’s most vital pieces of life-saving equipment had been taken and destroyed.

“We have had some disheartening information today,” the group said. “It has been brought to our attention that the public access defibrillator located outside The Bridge Bar was taken late last night. The main unit was found on Main Street this morning, but it was badly damaged and is now unusable. The outer case and all the accessories are still missing.”

The group has asked anyone who may come across the missing parts to message their Facebook page or drop them into Gorey Garda Station.

“This is essential life-saving equipment and was the most frequently used AED in the town,” they added. “This defibrillator will be out of service until further notice.”

Speaking on the incident on Gorey, local Councillor Craig Doyle said:

“Among the lowest of low things to do. They are vital essential life saving pieces of equipment,” Doyle said.

Meanwhile, in Wexford town, a similar incident occurred outside the FDYS Centre on Francis Street. The Order of Malta Ireland Ambulance Corps Wexford Unit issued a public appeal after discovering that their defibrillator had been removed from its cabinet between Thursday night and Friday morning, October 16th–17th.

“The FDYS Public Access Defibrillator on Francis Street was taken from its box. This may have been taken to be used with good intentions, but it has not yet been returned,” the group said.

They highlighted the importance of the equipment, which can make the difference “between life and death if used within a couple of minutes on a person in cardiac arrest.”

What makes the incident particularly upsetting is that the defibrillator was purchased using funds raised by local young people.

“This particular defibrillator was purchased with funds raised by the young people of the FDYS,” the organisation explained. “Those fantastic young people put in a tremendous amount of work to raise funds towards saving lives in our community.”

To maintain emergency readiness, the FDYS has temporarily replaced the missing unit with one of their operational defibrillators.

The missing machine is a Mediana AED, and anyone with information is asked to contact FDYS at 087 132 7835.

Both incidents have sparked frustration across the county, with many residents pointing out that defibrillators are critical public resources—available to everyone, and vital in the moments that matter most.