Gardaí investigating 'deplorable' double arson at Limerick playground

A garda investigation is underway after vandals set fire to a playground in Moyross, Limerick city, in two separate attacks, last night and this morning, writes David Raleigh.

Firefighters were called to the playground at 10.38pm and put out the blaze which sources said "destroyed" the play area.

However, firefighters were alerted to the playground again at 00.50am this morning to deal with second fire at the facility.

The playground was refurbished to a high standard in 2011 after the local community entered and won the Brennan's Bread sponsored Bring Back Family Playtime Project, receiving €7,500. A local bingo group raised an additional €2,000 to help complete the playground.

A photograph of what we understand to be a fire at the local playground in Moyross overnight. #L2Day pic.twitter.com/ZiIXm8ESux

— Limerick Today Show on Live 95 #L2Day (@LimerickToday) May 8, 2017

Local Sinn Fein TD, Maurice Quinlivan said it was a "shocking" "attack on the community".

"Its not just an attack on property - its an attack on the community," he added.

"Its hard to see the logic in understanding why someone would target a playground."

Deputy Quinlivan called on with Essex or anyone with information about the double arson attack.

"Someone will know who did and I would ask them to go to the gardaí or their local politician or somebody they trust and forward on the information."

"There's a very high quality CCTV system in Moyross and I'd hope that would help identify what happened," he said.

Labour councillor Frankie Daly described the fires as "deplorable".

"A very small minority can cause so much hurt in a community. Its deplorable. There is total disbelief in the community, how someone could burn a children's park."

"I condemn it, it's an utter disgrace."

The fires are understood to have been caused maliciously.

Gardaí at Mayorstone are investigating.