Repairs to the damaged playground will cost up to 300,000 euros

The playground, located in Dublin city, was "extremely damaged" by vandals last Friday.

The council confirmed that the fire damaged parts of the playground and damaged the perimeter fence, leading Park Services to declare the playground "unsafe" and close the area until a "full safety check."

A temporary fence erected to restrict access following the incident was also torn down and removed over the weekend.

Park Services confirmed that efforts are now underway to install a "more robust fencing system" while extensive "repair and replacement" work is underway at the playground.

A council spokesperson said the playground will remain closed until these works are completed.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe inaugurated this renovated playground and park in his Dublin Central constituency in 2023.

In a report submitted to local councillors, the council reported that the park and playground had suffered "significant damage" following an incident of antisocial behavior. The incident resulted in extensive vandalism, including "malicious damage" to playground equipment, and serious fire damage to the playground.

Following the incident, the council deemed it necessary to close the park the following day to thoroughly assess the damage and ensure the site's safety for public access.

The report further stated that in addition to the damage to the playground, several fencing panels were also found to be irreparably damaged. For health and safety reasons, these panels have been removed.

“Regrettably, the playground will remain closed in its entirety until repair works can be scheduled and completed,” said Deirdre Prince, Senior Executive, Parks Office with the Council in the report.

This is the third time vandalism has caused significant damage to the playground and park, resulting in the closure of this much-needed amenity in the area, despite it opening just two years ago.

Ms Prince continued: “In addition to the recent acts of vandalism, there have been several incidents of anti-social behaviour against security personnel who were obstructed from performing their duties in both Diamond Park and Liberty Park.”

She added that such behaviour is “completely unacceptable and is being treated with the utmost seriousness”. As a direct consequence, security staff are currently unavailable to secure these parks at night. Accordingly, Liberty Park will remain closed until alternative security arrangements have been implemented.

Park Services will engage a playground specialist to survey the playground to ensure the fire has not caused any major structural damage. It is estimated that repair work will cost approximately €250,000 to €300,000, including the fence panels.

The Parks team is in contact with the regional office and An Garda Síochána regarding the recent serious incidents of vandalism at the park.

“As a trial measure, it has been agreed with the area office that the damaged fence panels will be removed and Diamond Park will remain open to facilitate Garda access, patrols, and ongoing monitoring of activity within the park at all times,” noted Ms Prince.

This playground is located not far from the site where several tourists were attacked that same year and is located on the site of former residential buildings on the corner of Lower Gardiner Street in Dublin 1.

These were demolished in the late 1980s and replaced by an old park. The current site includes a large grass field, a football field, a playground, basketball and table tennis facilities.

This redevelopment was part of a broader effort by Dublin City Council to improve parks located near social housing complexes and student residences.