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A Garda spokesperson said: “He has since been released without charge pending a referral to the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau. We have no further comment at this time.” The blaze destroyed the main structure supporting the slide in the playground and is believed to be the sixth fire at the park in recent years. “This time the fire brigade had to be called – local people are so frustrated with it now,” said Dublin Bay South TD James Geoghegan. “We got the dreadful news that at around 9.45pm the main structure in the playground was on fire. The playground is now shut, and building control from Dublin City Council has been inspecting it. “We need to get this facility rebuilt. It is a very popular amenity for the local communities. There are a number of primary schools in the area, and the park is a big attraction.” Mr Geoghegan called for the park to be made secure and for increased Garda patrols, estimating the cost of repairs at least €100,000. “There used to be garda bicycle patrols, but they seem to have stopped. The people of Ringsend, Irishtown and Sandymount need those patrols back. “I met one resident who was on the way to the park, and when they saw what happened, they had to tell their child the playground was closed because someone set fire to it. The child then asked them if they would set fire to houses. That’s very sad. It’s worrying. “The photos and videos that were being distributed on social media were quite frightening. It was a big fire that only the fire brigade could fight. “With other fires, residents have been able to put them out, but this is the worst attack since the playground opened around six years ago.” He said he believed the vandalism had been carried out by young people from the broader community, and urged parents to know where their children are when they go out. “The people who do this kind of thing need to cop on. There needs to be consequences for their actions, but at the moment, there doesn’t seem to be,” he added. In a post on X, Deputy Geoghegan said the culprits were “mindless vandals who have given their two fingers to the community.” An Garda Síochána confirmed officers attended the scene following reports of criminal damage by fire.
