08-07-2025
Investigation launched after playground destroyed in 'mindless act of vandalism'
Gardai have launched an investigation after a suspected arson attack forced a local playground in Co Cork to close indefinitely.
Gardaí and emergency crews were called to the Carrigtwohill Playground and Community Campus on Sunday evening following reports of a fire.
The blaze broke out around 8pm when a piece of equipment was set alight and the fire quickly spread across an entire section of the playground. Firefighters rushed to the scene and worked bring the blaze under control before further damage could be done.
Gardaí have confirmed that an investigation has been launched, and enquiries are ongoing. It's understood that the suspects may have been seen on CCTV, and the footage has been made available to Gardaí.
Carrigtwohill Community Council said the fire, which they claimed "was intentionally set", caused "extensive damage" to the playground - which was built in 2020 following a substantial fundraising effort from the community - and "will take months and thousands of euros to repair."
"To those mindless thugs who set this fire, you're on camera and will be dealt with by An Garda Siochana. Shame on you," a council spokesperson said in a statement shared on social media.
Brian O'Reilly, Chairperson of Carrigtwohill Community Council, expressed his "profound sense of disappointment" at the act of vandalism which now means "young children will be deprived of a source of fun and play during the height of summer".
"It was with a profound sense of disappointment that I learned of the fire that was started today in our Community Playground," he said.
"Any vandalism of community amenities shows a lack respect not only for the charity and individual volunteers responsible for their maintenance, but also for the wider community who benefit greatly from their use. The damage caused today has been extensive and, as has been noted by others, it will take time and significant funds to rectify.
"What is worse, however, is that local families and their young children will be deprived of a source of fun and play during the height of summer."
Mr O'Reilly has urged anyone with information in relation to the fire to contact gardai.
"I want to sincerely thank the Firefighters who attended to this incident and prevented what would likely have been much more significant damage," he said.
"I would also like to thank the Gardaí who have already attended the scene and will be liaising with the Community Council and analysing CCTV footage in order to hold those responsible to account.
"If you have any information that may be of use, please pass it on to the Gardaí and/or the Community Council itself.
"Thankfully, amongst the vast majority of Carrigtwohill residents, community spirit is strong. We will repair. We will rebuild. And we will reopen the playground as soon as is possible, for the responsible enjoyment of all."
Local councillor Anthony Barry said was "absolutely disgusted by this mindless act of vandalism" and that "this wonderful facility will now be closed for the immediate future."
"Hopefully everything possible will be done to identify those responsible for this," he added. "Anyone with any information regarding this please report it to the relevant authorities."
In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí and emergency services attended a fire at the grounds of a community centre in Carrigtwohill Co. Cork, Sunday 6th July 2025. No injuries were reported. Enquiries are ongoing."
