Waterford Gardai have launched an investigation after Pride flags in the city were burned overnight.
The flags were raised on Friday on the Mall to celebrate the LGBTQ plus community in the county this Pride month.
Mayor of Waterford Damien Geoghegan told WLR FM they'll fly again at the same location, in the month of June:
"I won't be deterred," he said.
"I'm determined that those flags will fly on the Mall in Waterford for this month of June."
"People often ask the question, why is pride celebrated? or what is pride all about? and that's the answer to it."
"There are people out there who treat people who are different, or are members of the gay community, they treat them differently, or look down upon them."
"It's unacceptable to me, and it's important we show solidarity."
"I believe the overwhelming majority of people in Waterford will be upset by what happened."
After the incredibly positive response from Pride of the Déise - Waterford's Pride Festival weekend it's very disheartening to see this happen.
We hope that the LGBTQAI+ Community of Waterford will stand together and will continue to be visible in the face of this hate.... pic.twitter.com/C5GQTOoB9j— Pride of the Déise (@DeisePride) June 7, 2021
The Waterford Pride Festival says, "this shows the exact reason why we should have Pride in Waterford and a clear reminder why Pride Month is still necessary."
