CORK County Council will not replace spotlights on the Carrigaline to Crosshaven greenway which were destroyed by what has been described as a “mindless” act of vandalism.

The local authority had used a contractor to put 88 solar-powered, wildlife sensitive lights on the walkway between Kilnageary and Leary’s Cross in July.

On August 14, they were drilled individually and the photocell in each light was damaged beyond repair.

A council spokesperson said: “We have had many requests over the recent years to install public lighting on this 5km walkway but have been unable to due to the resources required and the sensitivity of the area to wildlife.

“This seemed the perfect solution and this has now also been deemed unworkable due to the mindless acts of some individual(s).”

The council has launched an investigation.

Local councillor Seamus McGrath said: “An act of mindless vandalism has destroyed all the newly installed lights. An individual or individuals went to the trouble of drilling each light. Disgraceful and utterly illogical.

"The installation of these lights was a great initiative by the Council. I really hope the investigation...makes some progress and someone is held to account for this," Mr McGrath added.