Council on guard after graffiti attack in Killiney

DÚN Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has said it is monitoring the situation after a graffiti attack in upmarket Killiney targeted street signs in the area.

An ‘anti-imperialist’ group staged what they called a direct action against colonialism, by painting out the names of streets named after British historical figures.

In a series of photos sent to various media outlets, the group depicted signs on Victoria Road that were defaced by spray painting over the word ‘Victoria’.

A spokesperson for the group stated in a press release: “Britain continues to illegally occupy Six Irish Counties, yet there are streets across the country named after and therefore glorifying the actions of British Imperialists in Ireland. 

“Our campaign is about highlighting this and encouraging people to take similar action themselves. Such actions are a small but symbolic way to contribute to the ongoing anti colonial resistance in Ireland.”

The spokesperson added: “We have launched this campaign here at Victoria Road in Killiney as there is no justifiable argument as to why a road in Ireland should be called after England’s Genocide Queen who presided over a deliberate policy of ethnic cleansing in Ireland from 1845-1852.

“By painting out these road signs we are stating that the ongoing British Occupation of our country is unacceptable and that the glorification of the crimes of British Imperialism in Ireland will not be tolerated. In the coming weeks we will be building the campaign to reach every street in the country that is named after a British Imperialist.”

However, a spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said they were aware of the campaign and were continually monitoring the situation. All graffiti had been removed, they added.