Four benches and a number of high-tech bins have been burnt out in a popular south Dublin park.
The damaged benches in Herbert Park in Ballsbridge are estimated to cost €2,000 each to repair.
And the BigBelly bins are worth around €3,000 each.
It is understood the benches and bins are being burnt with petrol, or some other solvent, and bags of paper.
Labour Councillor Dermot Lacey said that the culprit should pay for the damage done to Herbert Park, which could cost as much as €14,000.
Cllr Lacey suspects the incidents of vandalism, which have been happening for about a year, are linked.
He said: “It is mind-blowingly frustrating because we have invested huge money in Herbert Park over the last 10 years or so – the new cafe, the new tennis courts, drained football pitches, Astroturf pitches, new footpaths and landscaping.
“An enormous amount of money has been spent and then people come along and do this sort of stuff. They also damaged the mural done by Ballsbridge Tidy Towns group.
He added: “It is fairly disgraceful. It is just people damaging their own community. Why people would do it, I just don’t understand.”
Cllr Lacey, who Chairs the Dublin City Council subcommittee that covers Herbert Park, estimated the cost of the damage done to the park.
He said: “I’d imagine you are talking about the best part of €2,000 each.
“They are good solid benches and they have also burnt out one or two of the BigBelly bins and I know they cost something like €3,000 each.
“These are the bins that compact the rubbish and send a signal to the waste collection services when they are full.”
A mural done by local children on behalf of Ballsbridge Tidy Towns was also defaced.
Cllr Lacey believes the perpetrator should be forced to pay for the damage done to the park.
He said: “That is money we could put into other improvements in the park. It is really heart-breaking.
“Personally, I believe that if people are caught and they are punished. I believe they should have to pay for it, financially.
“There is no reason whatsoever why ordinary people through rates and property taxes should have to pay for it.
“There should be real punishment for vandalism.” An Garda Siochana commented on the incidents.
Gardaí have yet to make any arrest and their investigation is ongoing.
News courtesy: Dublin live