Vandals torch schoolbus at Girley bog after Kells joyride

Gardai and Bus Éireann have launched investigations into the theft of a school bus from a yard in Kells on Saturday. The vehicle was discovered burned-out the next day down a remote laneway at Girley Bog. The 1991-registered school bus was stolen from Bus Éireann's yard in Kells on Saturday 15th January, where it had been parked up for the weekend. It is not yet clear how the culprits managed to steal the vehicle, but it is mostly likely that the vehicle was 'hotwired'. The coach was discovered burnt out on Sunday on a remote laneway at Girley Bog, which is popular with walkers. In a statement, Bus Éireann spokesperson John Sheridan, said: “An investigation is currently underway regarding the theft and vandalism of a Bus Éireann School bus over the weekend. The bus was taken from the Bus Éireann yard in Kells on Saturday 15th January 2011 and was found burnt out early on Sunday morning. The incident is currently being investigated by Bus Éireann and An Garda Síochána.†Mr Sheridan said that, once they discovered the vehicle had been taken and vandalised, a replacement vehicle was sourced for the school run on Monday morning. Superintendent Jim McGowan of Kells Garda Station said the scene had been technically examined and Gardai were awaiting the results. He has appealed for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity around the bus yard, saw the vehicle being driven in the town or anyone with any information that may help in the investigation to contact Kells Garda Station. He said: “It seems it was a pointless exercise to take a bus like that and completely destroy it. It was abandoned in a very remote area.†Kells auctioneer Oliver Usher came upon the vehicle when he was out walking on Sunday morning and said the vehicle was still smouldering at that stage. He reported the incident to local Gardai. The vehicle was abandoned and set on fire at the popular looped walkway at Girley Bog. Mr Usher said the culprits had driven as far as they could and then set the bus on fire, and that it was now blocking the walkway. “It is deplorable to see this on the lovely walkway. There will be a lot of debris left that is difficult to dispose of. It is a terrible-looking sight,†he said. Mr Usher added that another car had been burnt out at the other side of the bog in recent times and tyres are also regularly dumped there. The scenic area is often cleaned up by local people and Mr Usher said the walkway was very popular and is used every day by a lot of people who come from far and wide for the 5.8km looped walk.