The facilities had only been installed recently and local people in Clontarf had campaigned for years for public toilets to be installed at the park.
As well as serving as a public park, St Anne’s is also home to playing pitches for a number of sports clubs based in Clontarf and Raheny.
Local football club Clontarf FC said members were “devastated” on Sunday morning when they arrived to the damage done to the facilities.
“This mindless vandalism beggars belief and anyone who knows anything about the idiots who did this please contact [gardaí].
“We can assure all our club members, parents, guardians and supporters that the club will ensure this setback doesn’t stop us working with [Dublin City Council Clontarf] to get our permanent facilities in Woodside built asap.”
“We won’t let these idiots win,” the club said, adding it has a responsibility to ensure the boys and girls who play football in Clontarf “have the facilities they deserve”.
The Clontarf Residents’ Association asked for anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the local garda station.
“We are shocked and disappointed to see the new toilets in St Anne’s destroyed overnight,” the group said in a statement.
“Anyone with information should contact Clontarf Garda station on 01-6664800. Thank you to Dublin Fire Brigade for their swift response.”
Dublin Fire Brigade confirmed it responded to reports of a fire in the area: “Firefighters from Kilbarrack responded to reports of a fire at the new public toilets in St Anne’s Park.
“The fire was extinguished shortly after arrival and further damage was prevented.”
Independent TD for Dublin Bay North Barry Heneghan, who is from Clontarf, said the facilities had been delivered following “relentless” campaigning, and the damage represents “an attack” on the local community.
He confirmed that the facilities “can be salvaged” despite the damage.
“We are deeply disappointed, angered, and saddened by the thoughtless vandalism in St. Anne’s Park last night,” Mr Heneghan said in a statement on Sunday.
We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity.
Please review your details and accept them to load the content
“The new toilet facilities, the result of relentless community campaigning, were badly needed to support young people in sport and the families who come to cheer them on.
“This vandalism is an attack on our community and shows complete disrespect for public spaces, local volunteers, and the huge efforts made to improve facilities for everyone.
“Despite this setback, we remain determined to enhance public spaces that help our children play, learn, and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. Having spoken to the installers of the toilet they say it can be salvaged.
“We urge anyone with information to contact An Garda Síochána so those responsible can be held accountable. Our community deserves better.
“Big thanks to DFB [Dublin Fire Brigade] for their speedy response.”
Responding to queries on social media, Mr Heneghan said there is no CCTV installed at the public toilets, but work is ongoing with nearby homeowners “to hopefully find something”.