A temporary World War I statue in St Stephen's Green in Dublin has been cleaned, following a vandalism overnight.
'The Hauntings Soldier' sculpture - created by artist Martin Galbavy and built by Chris Hannam - has been placed in the park to coincide with the centenary of the end of the war.
It was put on display earlier this month, and will remain there until Monday.
However, red paint was thrown over the sculpture overnight on Wednesday.
It is believed to have happened at around 2.00am on Thursday morning.
An investigation into criminal damage is underway.
The sculpture has since been cleaned and the red paint removed by staff from the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Workers remove red paint which was thrown at the Haunting Soldier staue on display in St Stephen's Green, Dublin | Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
"Profane desecration"
Culture Minister Josepha Madigan earlier said she was shocked to see "something as beautiful as this, in the tranquil surroundings of Stephen's Green, to be vandalised in this manner."
She told The Pat Kenny Show: "This is a profane desecration - a really cowardly act on this wonderful symbol of healing and of reconciliation."
Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Minister of State for the OPW, also expressed disappointment over the incident.
Minister @kevinboxermoran is very disappointed with the events overnight and condemns the vandalism of The Haunting Soldier statue in St. Stephen's Green Park. The sculpture has resonated with everyone who saw it as representing the tragic loss of young life. @opwireland
— Kevin 'Boxer' Moran (@kevinboxermoran) November 22, 2018
When the sculpture was installed, the Government described it as evoking "the fragility and suffering of those who survived World War I and returned home to an uncertain and difficult future".
Minister Madigan described it as an opportunity to "consider the sensitive legacies of our past with understanding, empathy and a spirit of mutual respect and kindness".
Additional reporting: Jack Quann
