Louth County Council has condemned anti-Semitic graffiti that was daubed on two roads in Co Louth in recent days.
The graffiti was painted on the R165 and L1260 near Ardee.
The Council's operations team investigated both locations today, and arrangements are being made to remove the graffiti as quickly as possible.
in a statement this afternoon, Louth County Council said it strongly condemns the use of anti-Semitic language or imagery in any form.
"Such acts are unacceptable and stand against our core values of equality and inclusiveness, and our commitment to fostering a respectful and welcoming community for all throughout County Louth."
Local Councillor Paddy Meade said this was one of several similar incidents to have happened in the area on the Louth/Meath border in recent years.
He described the incident as disgraceful and very hurtful to many within the community.
Cllr Meade urged the local authorities and the gardaí to investigate the matter.
Gardaí treating incident as hate crime
Gardaí are investigating the painting of the graffiti as a hate crime.
This evening, gardaí have confirmed they received a report of criminal damage to the road surface of the R165 at Shanliss, near Ardee in Co Louth.
They say this matter is now being investigated as a hate crime and have appealed for anyone information about the incident to contact them.
The statement said that An Garda Síochána takes hate crime very seriously and they continue to encourage any victim any crime to report it, "including any indication that the crime may have a hate motivation".
It noted an increase in the reporting of such incidents in each year of reporting, which it said was positive.
The statement reads: "Gardaí from the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau have a good relationship and engage with the Jewish community throughout Ireland on an ongoing basis and continue to liaise with the Jewish community at this time.
"An Garda Síochána also actively engages with representative and advocacy groups to support minority and diverse communities in Ireland."
'Rising trend in anti-Semitic sentiment' - Holocaust Awareness Ireland
Holocaust Awareness Ireland have also condemned the incident.
In a statement, it said the graffiti "repeats one of the most disturbing anti-Semitic caricatures deployed by the Nazis in pre-war Germany".
The statement also said that "it has been obvious that Ireland has experienced a rising trend in anti-Semitic sentiment across all social strata, including all levels of Government and media."
Holocaust Awareness Ireland proposed a three-point plan to tackle anti-Semitic and racist graffiti.
