A criminal investigation is under way into a fire that damaged a popular boardwalk from the Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge in Co Meath.
The blaze has been extinguished but it could be seen for a number of miles including from the nearby M1 motorway and the Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge.
The boardwalk begins close to the entrance to the Battle of the Boyne site and is popular with tourists and locals.
The fire appears to have damaged the section of the walk some 400 metres from the site, near the canal and the lock gates.
Firefighters from Drogheda were at the scene from late last night until after midnight.
The cause of the outbreak has not been confirmed.
Local Independent councillor Kevin Callan has criticised whoever caused the damage, saying it "was nothing short of arson."
He said: "This act has seriously damaged a section of our local infrastructure which is enjoyed by locals and tourists and would be a key part of the upcoming Fleadh in allowing visitors enter the Boyne Valley.
"I have seen the extent of the damage which has been done and I am now going to make contact with Meath County Council to see if the section can be repaired by August even if temporarily. The council should not have to be dealing with this at all.
"I am also getting in touch with the EPA to check that no damage has been caused by smoke to the island in the centre of the river which is a special area of ecological conservation."
He has asked anyone who knows about the fire to contact gardaí in Laytown.
