Vandalism that was carried out on new toilets in St Anne’s Park in Raheny in Dublin has been described as “appalling”.

A long-running campaign to have toilets placed in the park came to an end last week after three eco-toilets were installed.

The toilets are now not in use after being vandalised.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Labour Councillor Ali Field said: “We’re all devastated in the community.”

“So many clubs in the area, Scoil Uí Chonaill, Raheny GAA, Raheny United, they all use the park. We have visitors coming to the park and teams travelling over.

“It’s really appalling what has happened.”

Ms Field said it was likely that the toilets would have to be replaced.

“I would say definitely some need replacing … these eco toilets have gone in elsewhere and there’s not been an issue with them,” she said.

“This campaign has been going on for years. I’m four years on it, and other councillors are longer on this. It’s just devastating the community.”

Ms Field encouraged parents to check in with their children to prevent them engaging in such incidents.

“I’d like to appeal to any parents out there, who are your kids hanging around with? What are they doing?

“They can easily get into the wrong gang … Check your children and see where they are and who they’re hanging around with,” she said.