The cost of repairing playgrounds significantly damaged by fire in Dublin last year is estimated to be more than €500,000.
Residents in Dublin's north inner city have expressed frustration that their playground still remains closed after a series of attacks last year.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin has said Dublin City Council is determined that every affected playground is repaired, restored and fully re-opened.
The playground in Diamond Park in Dublin's north inner city has been closed since it was set on fire last October.
Councillors say it is estimated that the repairs will cost in the region of €300,000.
Local Green party Councillor Janet Horner says the fire did a huge amount of damage.
"It's basically meant that since October this playground has been completely out of access for any of the children in the area to use," she says "and at the moment we don't know when we're going to have it back in action".
She says the playground is one of very few in the area for children, many of whom don't have any back gardens.
"For so many children and parents in the area this park is a precious resource that allows their children to actually have outdoor time and playtime."
Local residents and parents say they are disappointed that it is out of action.
One woman who has two children says that they used the playground every day: "We were here playing for one, maybe two hours. It's a disgrace that this happened."
"We live across the street," another mother said. "We used to go to the park at least a couple of times a week."
Some have also expressed concerns that it may be subject to further attacks.
Lord Mayor of Dubin, Fine Gael's Ray McAdam says that the damage that was done was extensive and that "there was burnt structural elements and equipment that has had to be replaced".
"We aren't going to open a playground that quite frankly isn't safe."
He says he expects the playground to re-open in the coming weeks: "The parts have been secured, and the contractors are lined up, he says. "So, I can confirm that the community around Sean MacDermott Street and Gardiner Street will have their playground back very shortly."
He also says additional money will be found to undertake the final upgrade and repair works in Diamond Park: "We're going to find it, because we are determined to ensure that every affected playground is repaired, fully re-opened and restored for communities that rely on them."
He says they are responding with greater Garda co-ordination, and further surveillance measures being put in place.
Diamond Park is not the only playground that was attacked last year.
Significant damage was done at Sean Moore Park in Sandymount.
Dublin City Council says the cost of repair is expected to be €200,000.
Kilmore West playground in Coolock was also set on fire, last November. Local Councillor, Fianna Fáil's Daryl Barron says while it has mostly re-opened, part of the facility remains closed off.
"70% of the playground is now functioning," he says. "A big piece of equipment between €60,000 and €80,000 has been damaged. That has gone for procurement. We're going to try to get that redone. But unfortunately it's going to take several months to get that piece of equipment back," he says.
Cllr Barron also has concerns about the knock-on effect for the upgrade of other playgrounds in the area: "There's hundreds of thousands worth of damage have been done to Dublin City Council property that's paid for by the taxpayer.
"We don't have endless amounts of money to repair and replace pieces of equipment all the time, and we need to really see how we stop these types of arson attacks happening."
Dublin City Council says it has approved a budget of €890,000 for maintenance and upkeep of playgrounds this year.
Lord Mayor Ray McAdam says they will find the money to fix up equipment. He says that they are working with the gardaí and with local communities to ensure that these essential pieces of public infrastructure are re-opened.
"We are not going to let it impact or delay future playgrounds," he says.
"We have a budget. We are finalising the list of playgrounds that are going to be upgraded and enhanced this year. But we are absolutely determined that essential play space for Dublin kids is not going to remain shut. We are going to make sure that our kids have a safe, secure place to play in," he says.
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