co down

The flags were placed on top of a water tower in Rathfriland in Co Down.

A SINN FÉIN councillor has called for a “full investigation” into the placing of unionist flags on top of a water tower owned by Northern Ireland Water.

The flags were placed on top of the water tower in Rathfriland in Co Down, which is around 110ft high.

Local councillor Michael Rice has called for the “immediate removal” of the flags from the water tower, as well as a “full investigation” into the incident.

Rice told The Journal that the flags had last appeared on top of the water tower in 2019.

Rice said he has been “contacted by constituents over the weekend regarding the erection of unionist and loyalist flags on the NI Water tower in Rathfriland”.

He added that Sinn Féin has made representations to NI Water asking for the flags to be removed.

Rice said NI Water “needs to carry out a full investigation into this and ensure that the facility is locked”.

He added that it is “clearly an act meant to intimidate and mark territory”.

“It has caused frustration in the local community who are rightly asking how someone gained access to the roof to erect the flags,” said Rice.

Rice further remarked that Sinn Féin is also seeking an “urgent meeting” with the PSNI.

In a statement to The Journal, the PSNI said it is “investigating a report of criminal damage in the Castle Hill area of Rathfriland”.

The PSNI said it was reported on Friday, 10 July that padlocks had been damaged and entry gained to an NI Water site.

A spokesperson added that PSNI officers are “engaging with partner agencies in relation to any complaints about flags”.