An estimated €50,000 worth of damage has been caused to headstones at a 19th-century graveyard in Limerick.
Gardaí have launched an investigation after 37 headstones were knocked over in Mount St Lawrence Cemetery on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
The graveyard dates back to 1855 and many of the damaged headstones contained historical and heritage features.
Gardaí are examining CCTV footage from the area and are analysing fingerprints and footprints found at the scene.
Acting director of environment services at Limerick City Council Paul Foley has advised families with loved ones buried in Mount St Lawrence to visit the graveyard.
“If anyone has any concerns about a family grave the advice we would give them is to visit Mount St Lawrence and we will see what the position is,” Mr Foley said. “We will discuss each case on a case-by-case basis with each family. Gardaí have undertaken a thorough investigation and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.”
According to local councillor Kieran O’Hanlon, there have been other incidents of anti- social behaviour at the graveyard.
“People have been mugged and attacked going in there and cars have been interfered with outside,” Mr O’Hanlon said. “It’s an area where people are vulnerable.”