'Deeply upsetting' burglary of 'large amount of equipment' from Co Armagh Irish nursery school leaves school facing 'difficult setback'
An overnight robbery at an Irish nursery school in Portadown leaves the school facing ‘a difficult setback’ as a large amount of equipment was stolen.
It is understood the incident happened on Sunday night at Naíscoil na Banna which is within St John the Baptist Primary School at Garvaghy Road, Portadown.
According to the PSNI a classroom door was forced open and a quantity of electronic equipment and cash was taken.
Sinn Féin councillor Paul Duffy appealed for information after the naíscoil was robbed. Councillor Duffy, who sits on Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, said: “It’s deeply upsetting to learn that Naíscoil na Banna, our local Irish-nursery school, was broken into during the night.
"A large amount of equipment has been taken, leaving the school facing a difficult setback. “Irish-language schools already struggle with chronic underfunding in the north, and incidents like this place even more pressure on a school which works hard for local young people,” said Cllr Duffy.
“I’m appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything to contact the PSNI immediately.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are investigating a burglary at a pre-school on Garvaghy Road in Portadown overnight.
“It's understood that the door to a classroom was forced, and quantity of electronics and a sum of cash were taken.
"Anyone with information regarding this crime can contact police on 101, quoting reference 290 17/11/25 or submit information online via our website.
"The Crimestoppers charity can also be contacted on 0800 555 111 or via their website,” she said.