Gardaí have confirmed that an investigation is underway into the fire at the playground, which is in Kilmore on Oscar Traynor Road. Equipment at the playground was damaged in the incident.
Independent TD Barry Heneghan said the attack has left local children “so upset” and called on Dublin City Council to make it easier for communities to monitor vulnerable areas.
“I love our community. I love the north side, but it’s sad that a small proportion are vandalising and attacking our infrastructure, especially playgrounds,” Mr Heneghan said.
“If CCTV is in place, even just signage saying an area is monitored, it can act as a deterrent, and our communities deserve that protection.
“This playground was only opened to give children and families in Kilmore west, Coolock and surrounding areas a safe, modern space to enjoy and it’s been destroyed by mindless vandalism.”
He added: “The damage is extensive, and it’s the local community who will suffer most.”
He added that policy changes mean councils now have greater scope to install cameras at playgrounds, public toilets and bins, but implementation has been slow.
The fire, reported to Gardaí at about 10.30pm on November 16, caused extensive damage to the play equipment.
Fianna Fáil councillor Daryl Barron, speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, said he suspects the cost of damage could be around €100,000 and described the incident as “appalling”.
He added that the playground has been left completely unusable.
Burned wooden benches in Howth Community Garden. Pic: Howth Tidy Towns
Mr Heneghan said he met a group of schoolchildren from Kilmore who were on a Dáil tour and were visibly upset at seeing the playground destroyed.
“It’s heartbreaking, we will work to get this rebuilt, but this should never have happened in the first place,” he said.
The attack on Oscar Traynor Park came on the same night as another fire in Howth, where two wooden benches in a community garden were burned to a crisp.
Mr Heneghan said such incidents highlight the need for effective monitoring across all public spaces to prevent repeat attacks.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, has described attacks on public facilities as “deeply worrying” and called for vigilance and community reporting.
Gardaí are investigating the incident as “criminal damage by fire” and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Santry Garda Station on 01 6664000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said they “strongly condemn the recent act of vandalism and destruction of two benches by fire”.
“This community garden is a cherished shared space, regularly used by the local school and crèche, and plays an important role in fostering education, wellbeing, and community spirit.
“The deliberate damage caused has not only destroyed public property but has also undermined the efforts of volunteers and residents who have worked tirelessly to maintain and improve this valued amenity,” they added.
They said they are working closely with the community to ensure the garden is restored and protected and urged anyone with information to contact An Garda Síochána or the council.
Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment.