GARDAÍ ARE investigating after a landmark sculpture in Dublin was set alight by vandals overnight.
Raheny's Tree of Life, or the Peace Tree as it is also known, sits at the entrance to St Anne's Park after being commissioned by Dublin City Council and brought to life by sculptor Tommy Craggs.
The dead tree was revitalised into an elaborate sculpture in 2016, and depicts some of the wildlife which can be found in the area, including owls, badgers and a mother fox with her cubs.
The tree has now been severely damaged after it was set on fire on Sunday night, with the Dublin Fire Brigade sharing a photograph of the formerly golden tree now marred black from flames and ash.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Tom Brabazon, condemned the actions of the vandals and appealed for anyone with information to contact Gardaí.
"This is a beautiful sculpture enjoyed by adults and children alike, and I want to condemn this wanton act of vandalism in the strongest possible terms," he said.
"It's so sad to see something like this happen. I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact the gardaí."
Fianna Fáil Councillor Daryl Barron, who represents the area of Raheny, wrote on Twitter that he is "horrified and shocked at the damage done to the Peace Tree in Raheny overnight.
"I have reached out to Dublin City Council Area Management to try and repair the damage caused. I’ve no words to describe what type of person would do this."
I’m horrified and shocked at the damage done to the Peace Tree in Raheny overnight. I have reached out to Dublin City Council Area Management to try and repair the damage caused. I’ve no words to describe what type of person would do this. pic.twitter.com/Dvbj5bJ5br
— Cllr. Daryl Barron (@DarylBarron) June 22, 2020
A second tree was set alight in Santry Demesne on the same evening the Peace Tree was vandalised, Dublin Fire Brigade have confirmed, and Gardaí will investigate whether the same vandals are behind both acts.
